Giving Birth at UC San Diego Health

With two distinct birth settings and a large staff of physicians and midwives, as well as high-risk specialists and equipment, UC San Diego Health gives you more childbirth options than anywhere else in San Diego. Call 800-926-8273 for assistance in choosing a provider.

Quality Outcomes

• Quality outcomes that 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. 
  
• 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. 
  

Deliveries in La Jolla and Hillcrest

• More birth options than any other hospitals in San Diego, including a holistic Birth Center at Jacobs Medical Center in La Jolla or traditional Labor & Delivery settings available at both Jacobs Medical Center or UC San Diego Medical Center in Hillcrest
• Both hospitals have a NICU, including a Level III NICU at Jacobs Medical Center and a Level II Intermediate NICU at UC San Diego Medical Center in Hillcrest 
  
• Nationally known for our breastfeeding support
  
• Free volunteer doula program
• Hospital amenities including free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, valet parking and room for family members
  
• Locally-sourced menu items and celebratory brunch for new parents

Prenatal Care Options

• Midwives
• OB-GYNs or family medicine physicians
• High-risk specialists
• Special programs:
  • Maternal Weight and Wellness
  • Diabetes and Pregnancy
  • Twins and Multiples
• Acupuncture referrals to UC San Diego's Center for Integrative Medicine

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
  • Lactation 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

Women’s Special Care Center (for high-risk pregnancies)

The Women's Special Care Center, 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 UC San Diego Medical Center in Hillcrest 
  
• Designated NICU "cuddlers"
• NICU Concierge Program, including hosted monthly dinners for NICU parents

Specialty Programs and Services

• Maternal-Fetal Care and Genetics 
  
• Maternal Weight and Wellness
• Twins and Multiples Program
• Diabetes and Pregnancy
• Nationally recognized SPIN (Supporting Premature Infant Nutrition) Program 
• Reproductive endocrinology and infertility
• Fun and informative birth classes
• Free Meet the Maternity Team events and tours 
  

Pregnancy and COVID-19 Vaccines

Dr. Gladys "Sandy" Ramos is a maternal-fetal medicine specialist who cares for women with high-risk pregnancies. Find out why she recommends that pregnant women get the COVID-19 vaccine in this video (in English and Spanish).