Pregnancy & Birth Care

With two distinct birth settings and many physicians and midwives to choose from, UC San Diego Health gives you more childbirth options than anywhere else in San Diego.

Recognition for Our Quality of Care

• Our quality outcomes reflect the highest standards of care, including the highest rate of VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean section) in San Diego County and one of the lowest episiotomy rates in California.
• Our obstetrics & gynecology care is ranked No. 12 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
• U.S. News & World Report also recognizes UC San Diego Health as a High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care, the publication's top recognition for obstetric and infant care.
• We are recognized on the C-Section Honor Roll by California Hospital Care Compare for meeting statewide targets for reducing C-sections in low-risk, first-time mothers.
• We are nationally known for our breastfeeding support. Both our hospitals are designated Baby Friendly for upholding the highest standards of infant feeding care by promoting and supporting breastfeeding.
• Our certification as a Bronze Cribs for Kids® National Safe Sleep Hospital recognizes our team’s commitment to best practices in infant safe sleep, ensuring the highest standards of care for our youngest patients.  

More about our Maternity Care Quality

Tours and Classes

Meet the team at UC San Diego Health or learn more about childbirth, breastfeeding, infant care and more. We even have classes for grandparents and information on babywearing and baby massage.

Class Descriptions and Schedules

Deliveries in La Jolla and Hillcrest

• We offer a holistic Birth Center at Jacobs Medical Center in La Jolla and traditional Labor & Delivery settings at both our hospitals: Jacobs Medical Center in La Jolla and Hillcrest Medical Center.
• Both hospitals have a NICU, including a Level III NICU at Jacobs Medical Center in La Jolla and a Level II Intermediate NICU at Hillcrest Medical Center.
• Nationally recognized breastfeeding support is available.
• We also offer a free volunteer doula program
• Hospital amenities include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, valet parking and room for family members.
• Locally sourced menu items and celebratory brunch are available for new parents.

Prenatal Care Options

We offer several types of prenatal care options:

• OB/GYNs or family medicine physicians
• Midwife care
• High-risk specialists
• Special programs:
  • Maternal Weight and Wellness
  • Diabetes and Pregnancy
  • Twins and Multiples

Birth Center

Birth Center amenities include:

• Spacious suites
• Double or queen-size beds
• Rocking chair
• Labor support including hypnotherapy, birthing balls, birthing stools and IV pain medication 
• Ability to eat and drink during labor
• Lactation support

Labor & Delivery Suites / Postpartum Care

• Spacious Labor & Delivery suites with room for family members
• Surgical suites for Cesarean deliveries
• Private postpartum rooms, where parents and babies room in together
  • Breastfeeding support
  • Nap time from 2 to 4 p.m., when hospital staff avoid any unnecessary care to allow babies and parents to rest, heal, bond and breastfeed

Special Care For High-Risk Pregnancies

The Women's Special Care unit, for women who need inpatient care before the birth of their babies, offers:

• Personalized and compassionate care with state-of-the-art technology
• Patient support group
• Refrigerators for patient use
• In-hospital Fetal Assessment Unit

NICU Care

• Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Jacobs Medical Center
• Level II Intermediate NICU at Hillcrest Medical Center
• Designated NICU "cuddlers"
• NICU Concierge Program, including hosted monthly dinners for NICU parents

Pregnancy Billing and Insurance

If you would like to see a UC San Diego physician or midwife for your maternity care, your insurance may require you to select a UC San Diego primary care physician. For more information, see How to Switch Your Care to UC San Diego Health.

 For general billing and insurance questions, please call 855-827-3633 or see:

• Billing and Insurance
• Insurance Accepted
• Billing and Insurance FAQs