Comparing 6 maternity hospitals in Seattle, WA using official CMS quality ratings and safety data to help you choose the safest place to give birth.
Virginia Mason Medical Center
(206) 223-6600
Swedish Medical Center
(206) 386-6000
Swedish Medical Center / Cherry Hill
(206) 320-2000
University Of Washington Medical Ctr
(206) 598-3300
Harborview Medical Center
(206) 744-9535
Kaiser Permanente Central Hospital
(206) 326-3000
What Is a Birthing-Friendly Hospital?
The CMS Birthing-Friendly designation recognizes hospitals that have implemented best practices for maternity care, including reducing C-section rates for low-risk births and promoting evidence-based care during labor and delivery.
In Seattle, 3 of 6 hospitals are Birthing-Friendly: Virginia Mason Medical Center, University Of Washington Medical Ctr, Swedish Medical Center.
Hospital Safety Comparison
Compare safety scores for all 6 hospitals in Seattle. Higher safety scores and lower mortality concerns indicate better patient outcomes.
| Hospital | Overall Rating | Safety Score | Birthing-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Mason Medical Center | 5/5 | 4/8 above avg | Yes |
| Swedish Medical Center | 4/5 | 1/8 above avg | Yes |
| Swedish Medical Center / Cherry Hill | 4/5 | 0/5 above avg | No |
| University Of Washington Medical Ctr | 3/5 | 0/8 above avg | Yes |
| Harborview Medical Center | 1/5 | 0/6 above avg | No |
| Kaiser Permanente Central Hospital | Not rated | 0/1 above avg | No |
How to Choose a Hospital for Birth in Seattle
Choosing where to give birth is one of the most important decisions during pregnancy. Here are key questions to ask when touring hospitals in Seattle:
- What is the hospital’s C-section rate for low-risk births?
- Does the hospital have a NICU, and what level of neonatal care is available?
- What are the hospital’s policies on birth plans, doulas, and support persons?
- Is the hospital designated as CMS Birthing-Friendly?
- What pain management options are available (epidurals, nitrous oxide, hydrotherapy)?
- What is the nurse-to-patient ratio in labor and delivery?
- Does the hospital offer lactation support and skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth?
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hospitals are in Seattle, WA?
There are 6 CMS-certified hospitals in Seattle, WA. Of these, 3 have earned the CMS Birthing-Friendly designation.
What is the best-rated hospital in Seattle for giving birth?
The highest-rated hospital in Seattle is Virginia Mason Medical Center with a CMS rating of 5/5. It also holds the CMS Birthing-Friendly designation.
What does Birthing-Friendly mean?
The Birthing-Friendly designation is awarded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to hospitals that meet quality benchmarks for maternity care, including lower C-section rates and better birth outcomes.
