Maternity Care Quality

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For 10 years in a row, UC San Diego Health as fully met the maternity care standards measured by the independent Leapfrog Hospital Survey for:

  • Elective delivery rate
  • Cesarean sections rate
  • Episiotomy rate
  • Maternity care precaution standards
  • High-risk deliveries

(source: The Leapfrog Group)

Also see Pregnancy & Birth Care

High-Quality Care, Better Results

  • Our hospitals consistently have the highest rate of vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC) in San Diego County
    (source: Cal Hospital Compare)
  • We have one of the lowest episiotomy rates in California.
    (source: The Leapfrog Group)
  • We are consistently named to the C-Section Honor Roll for meeting statewide targets for reducing C-sections in low-risk, first-time mothers
    (source: Hospital Care Compare)

Nationally Recognized Maternity Care

For more details on these and other standards, see the tables below. Unless otherwise noted, the statistics for UC San Diego Health outcomes are from the Leapfrog Hospital Survey (aggregated for our Hillcrest and La Jolla locations) and are for July 2021 – June 2022, the most recent time period for which data is available.

Graphic with U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” badge for top-ranked obstetrics and gynecologic care
Mother and baby breastfeeding

Praise for our Breastfeeding Support

UC San Diego Health is recognized by Baby-Friendly USA, Inc. for our support of breastfeeding and bonding.

Visit Our Breastfeeding Support Page

Low-Risk Delivery Outcomes

C-section Rate at 37 Weeks or Later Outcome
(Lower is Better)​
​UC San Diego Health ​23.8%
​California average 23.9%​
​Healthy People 2020 target ​23.6% or lower

This measure applies to first-time mothers who delivered a single newborn in the head-down position at 37 weeks or later. In such "low-risk" pregnancies, C-sections should be avoided to reduce post-surgical infections and other complications and improve overall health outcomes for both mother and baby. Hospitals such as UC San Diego Health that serve as referral centers for high-risk pregnancies, those with intensive care units for very sick babies, and those serving mothers who have not had the benefit of prenatal care may appropriately have higher C-section rates. A woman who prefers a vaginal birth should discuss this concern with her provider and look for a hospital with a low C-section rate. Source for California average: Cal Hospital Compare.

​Exclusive Breast Milk Feeding* Outcome
(Higher is Better)​
​UC San Diego Health ​87.9%
​California average ​69.4%

*Reported by California Dept. of Public Health for 2020.

This measure shows the percentage of newborns that were fed only breast milk before being discharged from the hospital. Although there are many reasons that breastfeeding rates vary, it is considered good practice for hospital staff to support women who wish to breastfeed prior to discharge. A rate of 68.8% or higher is considered desirable. UC San Diego Health rate reported corresponds with January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020. Source for UC San Diego Health: Joint Commission Core Measure. UC San Diego Health rate reported corresponds with January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020. Source for California average: Cal Hospital Compare

​Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Section (VBAC) Outcome
(Higher is Better)​
UC San Diego Health​ 24.1%
​California average ​16.1%

This measure shows how often women with a prior cesarean section attempted vaginal delivery. Maternity providers have found that many women who have previously had a C-section do not need to deliver all future babies by C-section. A rate of 15.8% or higher is considered desirable. Source for UC San Diego Health: Internal hospital data. UC San Diego Health rate reported corresponds with January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020. Source for California average: Cal Hospital Compare

​Episiotomy in Vaginal Deliveries Outcome
(Lower is Better)​
​UC San Diego Health ​1.2%
​California average 3.5%​
​Leapfrog target ​5% or lower

An episiotomy is a surgical cut in the vaginal opening to facilitate the birth of a baby. It was once a routine procedure, but recent studies show that this cut does not make the birth easier; may lead to more frequent and worse tears; and may result in short- and long-term harm in women. Providers and hospitals aim to do fewer episiotomies. A lower rate is better. Source for California average: Cal Hospital Compare

Screening Newborns for Jaundice Before Discharge Outcome
(Higher is Better)​
​UC San Diego Health  ​99.05%
Leapfrog target​ ​90% or higher

UC San Diego Health screens all newborns for jaundice, a common condition that causes yellow discoloration in a newborn’s skin and eyes. Complications are rare, but in some cases, an underlying disease may cause jaundice. A rate of 90% or above is considered desirable.

Preventing Blood Clots in Women Undergoing Cesarean Section Outcome
(Higher is Better)​
​UC San Diego Health 94.95%
​Leapfrog target ​90% or higher

A 90% rate or higher is considered desirable.

High-Risk Delivery Outcomes

Elective Delivery Between 37 and 39 Weeks Gestation Outcome
(Lower is Better)​
​UC San Diego Health 2.65%
​Leapfrog target ​5% or lower

Early elective deliveries are normal newborn deliveries that are performed between 37 and 39 completed weeks of gestation without a medical necessity. Early elective deliveries can be dangerous, resulting in admissions to neonatal intensive care units, increased length of stay in the hospital for mother and baby, and higher costs to patients.

Number of High-Risk Deliveries Outcome
(Higher is Better)​
​UC San Diego Health ​878
​Leapfrog target  50 or higher​

High-risk deliveries occur when a pregnancy threatens the health or life of a mother or her fetus. Hospitals with experience in high-risk deliveries are better equipped to care for these types of situations. A volume of 50 or more high-risk deliveries is considered desirable to ensure that a facility and staff has sufficient experience. At UC San Diego Health, infants who weigh less than 1,500 grams at birth are cared for in our Level III neonatal intensive care unit.

About Quality Outcomes

UC San Diego Health is committed to providing the safest and highest quality care. To continually improve that care, we measure our performance against our own rigorous standards as well as outcomes at top medical centers nationwide.

We believe that sharing our results with the public is an obligation and a critical factor in our mission of continuous improvement. Our progress in maintaining the highest standards of care is reflected in our accreditations, rankings and activities.