Maternity care in the U.S. has long been a focus of intense scrutiny, given its critical role in the health of mothers and newborns. Leapfrog Group’s State of Maternity Care in U.S. Hospitals 2025 report offers insight into where we stand and what must change to ensure safer, more equitable care for families nationwide.
At Ob Hospitalist Group (OBHG), we see these challenges firsthand, partnering with hospitals to improve outcomes and transform maternity care delivery. By aligning Leapfrog’s evidence-based benchmarks with our proven OB hospitalist model, we believe the future of maternal health can be brighter, safer and more equitable.
What Leapfrog’s 2025 report tells us
- C-Section rates plateauing
The national rate of cesarean deliveries among first-time, low-risk mothers (NTSV C-section rate) has stalled at about 25.3%, higher than the target of 23.6%. This underscores the ongoing need to reduce unnecessary C-sections. - Racial disparities persist
About one in five hospitals reports racial disparities in cesarean rates between non-Hispanic Black and white mothers, a stark reminder of ongoing inequities. - Advances in reducing episiotomies
Episiotomy rates have declined by by 73% since 2012, demonstrating the positive impact of evidence-based practice change. - Inconsistent early elective delivery policies
While 86% of hospitals have policies discouraging early elective deliveries before 39 weeks, nearly 14% still allow these potentially avoidable interventions. - Limited access to essential services
While most hospitals offer lactation consultants and doulas, only a minority have doulas on staff. Certified nurse-midwife availability and VBAC access also remains inconsistent.
How OBHG aligns with Leapfrog’s priorities
OBHG’s model has demonstrated measurable success in addressing many of these gaps:
- Reducing C-Sections and racial disparities
Our programs have helped hospitals reduce cesarean rates with a low-risk cesarean section rate below 20%, compared to the national goal of 23.6%. - Addressing racial disparities
OBHG programs have ensured equitable outcomes across racial groups, showing promise in tackling disparities. - Supporting Midwifery Integration
By integrating Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) in OB hospitalist teams, we’ve seen lower C-section rates, improved vaginal delivery w/episiotomy rates, fewer severe perineal lacerations and improved outcomes in instrument-assisted deliveries, a clear clinical win. - Reducing episiotomies
OBHG’s outcomes for episiotomies exceed national goals, with a rate below 2%, compared to the national benchmark of 5%. - Eliminating weekend effect risks
Consistent 24/7 OB hospitalist coverage reduces variability in care quality on nights and weekends, mitigating risks Leapfrog identifies in its findings.
Collaboration is the path forward
Improving maternity care is a complex challenge requiring collaboration, innovation and data transparency. Leapfrog’s 2025 report provides a clear benchmark. OBHG’s experience offers a proven path forward.
Contact us to learn how OBHG can support your hospital in meeting today’s challenges and building tomorrow’s solutions.