Comparing 7 maternity hospitals in Saint Louis, MO using official CMS quality ratings and safety data to help you choose the safest place to give birth.
Barnes Jewish Hospital
(314) 747-3000
Missouri Baptist Medical Center
(314) 996-5000
Christian Hospital Northeast
(314) 653-5000
Mercy Hospital St Louis
(314) 251-6000
Mercy Hospital South
(314) 525-1000
Ssm Health St Mary’S Hospital – St Louis
(314) 768-8000
Ssm Health Saint Louis University Hospital
(314) 257-8000
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 Saint Louis, 5 of 7 hospitals are Birthing-Friendly: Mercy Hospital St Louis, Barnes Jewish Hospital, Mercy Hospital South, Ssm Health St Mary’S Hospital – St Louis, Missouri Baptist Medical Center.
Hospital Safety Comparison
Compare safety scores for all 7 hospitals in Saint Louis. Higher safety scores and lower mortality concerns indicate better patient outcomes.
| Hospital | Overall Rating | Safety Score | Birthing-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri Baptist Medical Center | 4/5 | 3/8 above avg | Yes |
| Barnes Jewish Hospital | 4/5 | 1/8 above avg | Yes |
| Christian Hospital Northeast | 4/5 | 1/7 above avg | No |
| Mercy Hospital St Louis | 3/5 | 4/8 above avg | Yes |
| Mercy Hospital South | 3/5 | 2/7 above avg | Yes |
| Ssm Health St Mary’S Hospital – St Louis | 2/5 | 3/8 above avg | Yes |
| Ssm Health Saint Louis University Hospital | 1/5 | 2/6 above avg | No |
How to Choose a Hospital for Birth in Saint Louis
Choosing where to give birth is one of the most important decisions during pregnancy. Here are key questions to ask when touring hospitals in Saint Louis:
- 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 Saint Louis, MO?
There are 7 CMS-certified hospitals in Saint Louis, MO. Of these, 5 have earned the CMS Birthing-Friendly designation.
What is the best-rated hospital in Saint Louis for giving birth?
The highest-rated hospital in Saint Louis is Barnes Jewish 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.
