To compile the list, U.S. News evaluated 817 hospitals providing labor and delivery services. Hospitals submitted detailed data, which were analyzed based on a variety of quality measures. These measures included C-section rates for lower-risk pregnancies, rates of severe unexpected newborn complications, exclusive breast milk feeding rates, birthing-friendly practices, and the reporting of racial and ethnic disparities.
For the 2025 ratings, U.S. News increased the weight of the racial and ethnic disparities measure, as well as the birthing-friendly practices measure, to better reflect their relative importance to maternity care excellence.
The 414 hospitals that made the final list demonstrated high-performing outcomes in several key areas. Their rates of severe unexpected newborn complications were 44% lower than those of unrated hospitals, and their C-section rates were 22% lower.
These hospitals were also 47% more likely to achieve recognition as "Baby-Friendly" by Baby-Friendly USA, reflecting their commitment to implementing best practices to support breastfeeding.
Additionally, they were 13% more likely to monitor and report racial and ethnic disparities for both C-section outcomes and severe newborn complications, showcasing their dedication to equitable care.
In the U.S., 10 metropolitan areas had the greatest number of hospitals recognized for maternity care. These cities, listed in alphabetical order, include Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, Riverside-San Bernardino, San Francisco and Seattle.
The following list shows the number of hospitals in each state that made the ratings: