Comparing 4 maternity hospitals in Charleston, SC using official CMS quality ratings and safety data to help you choose the safest place to give birth.
Bon Secours-St Francis Xavier Hospital
(843) 402-1006
Roper Hospital
(843) 724-2800
Musc Medical Center
(843) 792-2300
Trident Medical Center
(843) 847-4100
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 Charleston, 3 of 4 hospitals are Birthing-Friendly: Musc Medical Center, Bon Secours-St Francis Xavier Hospital, Trident Medical Center.
Hospital Safety Comparison
Compare safety scores for all 4 hospitals in Charleston. Higher safety scores and lower mortality concerns indicate better patient outcomes.
| Hospital | Overall Rating | Safety Score | Birthing-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roper Hospital | 4/5 | 2/8 above avg | No |
| Bon Secours-St Francis Xavier Hospital | 4/5 | 1/7 above avg | Yes |
| Musc Medical Center | 3/5 | 2/8 above avg | Yes |
| Trident Medical Center | 3/5 | 1/8 above avg | Yes |
How to Choose a Hospital for Birth in Charleston
Choosing where to give birth is one of the most important decisions during pregnancy. Here are key questions to ask when touring hospitals in Charleston:
- 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 Charleston, SC?
There are 4 CMS-certified hospitals in Charleston, SC. Of these, 3 have earned the CMS Birthing-Friendly designation.
What is the best-rated hospital in Charleston for giving birth?
The highest-rated hospital in Charleston is Bon Secours-St Francis Xavier Hospital with a CMS rating of 4/5. 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.
