Choosing the right hospital for childbirth is one of the most important decisions for expectant parents. Maryland is home to some of the most advanced and compassionate maternity care facilities in the United States.
Whether you’re seeking natural birth options, high-risk pregnancy care, or world-class neonatal units, this guide highlights the top 20 hospitals in Maryland for giving birth.
Every hospital on this list is known for its skilled medical teams, family-centered care, and modern maternity services.
Here Are The Full Details About Top 20 Best Hospitals In Maryland For Giving Birth
1. Johns Hopkins Hospital – Baltimore
Johns Hopkins Hospital is consistently ranked among the top hospitals in the country. Its Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics is known for cutting-edge prenatal care, labor support, and specialized treatment for high-risk pregnancies. The BirthPlace at Hopkins offers private suites and access to advanced NICU services.
2. University of Maryland Medical Center – Baltimore
This hospital offers a well-equipped labor and delivery unit with 24/7 access to OB-GYNs, anesthesiologists, and neonatologists. The University of Maryland’s Women’s Health Center also provides comprehensive prenatal education and support.
3. MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center – Baltimore
Known for its warm and supportive environment, this facility features a Level III NICU, private birthing suites, and a family-centered approach to childbirth. It’s a favorite among first-time moms and those with complex pregnancies alike.
4. Shady Grove Medical Center – Rockville
Shady Grove offers a peaceful and secure environment for new mothers. Their Birth Center includes private rooms, water birth options, and an excellent breastfeeding support program.
5. Holy Cross Hospital – Silver Spring
Holy Cross has one of the largest and busiest maternity programs in Maryland. They are well-equipped for both routine and high-risk deliveries and offer a variety of prenatal classes to prepare expecting families.
6. Anne Arundel Medical Center – Annapolis
This hospital features a state-of-the-art Women’s and Children’s Center. It includes spacious labor rooms and access to lactation consultants. Their birthing suites are designed with both comfort and safety in mind.
7. MedStar Georgetown University Hospital – Washington, D.C. (serving Maryland residents)
While located in D.C., many Maryland families choose this hospital for its renowned obstetrics care. Their Perinatal Center is ideal for high-risk pregnancies, and the labor team emphasizes compassionate and personalized care.
8. Suburban Hospital – Bethesda
Affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine, Suburban Hospital provides high-quality maternal care with a focus on safety and support. Their team includes midwives, OB-GYNs, and perinatal nurses who work collaboratively.
9. Frederick Health Hospital – Frederick
This community hospital is a hidden gem for expectant mothers. With spacious birthing suites and attentive care staff, Frederick Health offers a comfortable and caring childbirth experience.
10. Howard County General Hospital – Columbia
This hospital provides comprehensive maternity services, including advanced monitoring, pain management options, and strong postpartum care. Their Mother-Baby Unit encourages rooming-in and family bonding.
11. MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital – Leonardtown
MedStar St. Mary’s is known for its personalized approach to maternity care. The Birthing Center focuses on patient preferences and offers hydrotherapy, birthing balls, and other comfort measures.
12. Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center – Silver Spring
White Oak offers a newly renovated maternity ward with spacious rooms and a focus on holistic, family-friendly birthing practices. Their Level II NICU ensures care for infants needing extra support.
13. Mercy Medical Center – Baltimore
Mercy’s Family Childbirth & Children’s Center provides top-tier services for labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery. With 24-hour OB-GYN coverage and maternal-fetal medicine specialists, they handle complex cases with expertise.
14. University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center – Towson
St. Joseph is praised for its calm and supportive environment. The hospital offers natural birth options, epidurals, and midwifery care. Their commitment to maternal safety is commendable.
15. Meritus Medical Center – Hagerstown
This regional medical center offers a dedicated women’s health pavilion, friendly nursing staff, and comprehensive prenatal services. Many local families trust Meritus for safe and comfortable deliveries.
16. Peninsula Regional Medical Center (TidalHealth) – Salisbury
Serving the Eastern Shore, TidalHealth offers a full range of maternity services, including VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) options and a certified lactation team. The hospital is focused on safety and family satisfaction.
17. MedStar Montgomery Medical Center – Olney
MedStar Montgomery is a community-based hospital that provides quality maternal care, with comfortable delivery rooms and personalized prenatal education classes. They also offer postpartum mental health support.
18. CalvertHealth Medical Center – Prince Frederick
This smaller hospital offers a surprisingly robust maternity program with personalized attention and supportive staff. Their midwife-led care is highly rated by mothers seeking a more natural birth experience.
19. Atlantic General Hospital – Berlin
This community hospital offers maternity services that focus on safety, support, and personalized attention. It’s an excellent option for families on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
20. University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center – La Plata
This hospital is equipped with a modern maternity wing, board-certified OB-GYNs, and advanced monitoring equipment. It offers a safe and nurturing environment for labor and delivery.
What Should Expecting Parents Look for in a Hospital for Childbirth?
When choosing a hospital for giving birth, parents should consider the quality of staff, availability of neonatal intensive care units, pain management options, family-centered policies, and patient satisfaction ratings. Accessibility, safety records, and support for breastfeeding and postpartum care are also crucial.
Why Maryland Hospitals Stand Out for Maternity Care?
Maryland hospitals are recognized for combining clinical excellence with compassionate care. With access to academic medical centers, experienced OB-GYNs, and high-tech birthing suites, the state provides some of the most comprehensive maternal care options in the nation.
FAQs About Best Hospitals In Maryland For Giving Birth
1. What hospital in Maryland is considered the safest for giving birth?
Johns Hopkins Hospital and Holy Cross Hospital are often considered among the safest due to their advanced facilities and experienced maternal-fetal medicine teams.
2. Do all Maryland hospitals offer midwifery services?
No, not all. However, hospitals like CalvertHealth and Shady Grove offer certified nurse-midwives as part of their maternity care programs.
3. Can I choose a water birth in Maryland hospitals?
Yes, but only select hospitals like Shady Grove and MedStar St. Mary’s support water births. It’s best to check with each hospital directly for their policy.
4. Do Maryland hospitals allow rooming-in with my baby?
Most of them do. Hospitals such as Howard County General and Mercy Medical Center encourage rooming-in to promote bonding and breastfeeding.
5. What pain relief options are available during labor?
Maryland hospitals offer a wide range of options, including epidurals, nitrous oxide, IV pain relief, and natural pain management techniques.
6. Are NICUs available in all Maryland maternity hospitals?
Not all hospitals have NICUs. Tertiary centers like Johns Hopkins and University of Maryland Medical Center offer Level III NICUs, while smaller hospitals may offer only basic newborn care.
7. Do these hospitals offer postpartum depression support?
Yes, many such as MedStar Montgomery and Anne Arundel Medical Center provide access to postpartum mental health professionals and support groups.
8. Is there a cost difference among these hospitals for delivery?
Yes, delivery costs vary depending on the hospital, your insurance coverage, and whether your birth involves complications. It’s wise to check with the billing department in advance.
9. Can my partner stay with me overnight?
Most hospitals encourage partner involvement and allow overnight stays in private maternity suites. Be sure to confirm the hospital’s visitor policy.
10. Do Maryland hospitals offer childbirth classes?
Yes, almost all hospitals on this list offer childbirth preparation, breastfeeding, and newborn care classes either in-person or virtually.
Conclusion
Maryland offers an exceptional range of hospitals for giving birth, catering to a variety of preferences, medical needs, and birthing philosophies.
From large academic institutions like Johns Hopkins to community-based care at CalvertHealth, expectant parents can find the right fit for a safe, comfortable, and supportive birthing experience.
As always, consult with your healthcare provider and schedule hospital tours where possible to make an informed decision tailored to your family’s needs.