Comparing 7 maternity hospitals in Nashville, TN using official CMS quality ratings and safety data to help you choose the safest place to give birth.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
(615) 322-3454
Tristar Centennial Medical Center
(615) 342-1000
Tristar Southern Hills Medical Center
(615) 781-4000
Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital
(615) 222-2111
Tristar Skyline Medical Center
(615) 769-2000
Metro Nashville General Hospital
(615) 341-4490
Saint Thomas Hospital For Spinal Surgery
(615) 515-8200
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 Nashville, 3 of 7 hospitals are Birthing-Friendly: Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital, Tristar Centennial Medical Center.
Hospital Safety Comparison
Compare safety scores for all 7 hospitals in Nashville. Higher safety scores and lower mortality concerns indicate better patient outcomes.
| Hospital | Overall Rating | Safety Score | Birthing-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tristar Centennial Medical Center | 4/5 | 4/8 above avg | Yes |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | 4/5 | 2/8 above avg | Yes |
| Tristar Southern Hills Medical Center | 4/5 | 1/6 above avg | No |
| Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital | 3/5 | 4/8 above avg | Yes |
| Tristar Skyline Medical Center | 2/5 | 3/7 above avg | No |
| Metro Nashville General Hospital | Not rated | 0/4 above avg | No |
| Saint Thomas Hospital For Spinal Surgery | Not rated | 0/2 above avg | No |
How to Choose a Hospital for Birth in Nashville
Choosing where to give birth is one of the most important decisions during pregnancy. Here are key questions to ask when touring hospitals in Nashville:
- 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 Nashville, TN?
There are 7 CMS-certified hospitals in Nashville, TN. Of these, 3 have earned the CMS Birthing-Friendly designation.
What is the best-rated hospital in Nashville for giving birth?
The highest-rated hospital in Nashville is Vanderbilt University Medical Center 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.
