Comparing 3 maternity hospitals in Des Moines, IA using official CMS quality ratings and safety data to help you choose the safest place to give birth.
Unitypoint Health – Des Moines Iowa Methodist Medi
(515) 343-1000
Mercyone Des Moines Medical Center
(515) 247-4436
Broadlawns Medical Center
(515) 282-2200
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 Des Moines, 3 of 3 hospitals are Birthing-Friendly: Unitypoint Health – Des Moines Iowa Methodist Medi, Mercyone Des Moines Medical Center, Broadlawns Medical Center.
Hospital Safety Comparison
Compare safety scores for all 3 hospitals in Des Moines. Higher safety scores and lower mortality concerns indicate better patient outcomes.
| Hospital | Overall Rating | Safety Score | Birthing-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unitypoint Health – Des Moines Iowa Methodist Medi | 3/5 | 4/8 above avg | Yes |
| Mercyone Des Moines Medical Center | 2/5 | 3/8 above avg | Yes |
| Broadlawns Medical Center | 2/5 | 1/5 above avg | Yes |
How to Choose a Hospital for Birth in Des Moines
Choosing where to give birth is one of the most important decisions during pregnancy. Here are key questions to ask when touring hospitals in Des Moines:
- 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 Des Moines, IA?
There are 3 CMS-certified hospitals in Des Moines, IA. Of these, 3 have earned the CMS Birthing-Friendly designation.
What is the best-rated hospital in Des Moines for giving birth?
The highest-rated hospital in Des Moines is Unitypoint Health – Des Moines Iowa Methodist Medi with a CMS rating of 3/5. 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.
