Maternity Care Quality

UC San Diego Health is committed to providing the safest and highest quality of pregnancy and birth 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.

High-Quality Care, Better Results

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

Nationally Recognized Maternity Care

Our two hospitals are recognized on Newsweek's short list of Best Maternity Hospitals.
Our obstetrics & gynecology care is ranked No. 7 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
U.S. News & World Report also recognizes UC San Diego Health as a 2026 High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care, the publication's top award for obstetric and infant care.
Our hospitals consistently meet maternity care standards measured by the independent Leapfrog Hospital Survey for elective delivery rate, episiotomy rate, and experience with high-risk deliveries

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 January – December 2024, the most recent time period for which data is available.

Low-Risk Delivery Outcomes

C-Section Rate at 37 Weeks or Later	Outcome (Lower is Better)
UC San Diego Health	21.6%
California average	25.9%
Healthy People 2030 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: California Department of Public Health (CDPH) data for 2023

Exclusive Breast Milk Feeding	Outcome (Higher is Better)
UC San Diego Health	88.9%
California average	69.0%

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. Data is from calendar year 2024. Source for UC San Diego Health: U.S. News & World Report. Source for California average: California Department of Public Health (CDPH) data

Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Section (VBAC)	Outcome (Higher is Better)
UC San Diego Health	24.16%
California average	16.6%

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. Data is from calendar year 2024. Source for UC San Diego Health: U.S. News & World Report. Source for California average: California Department of Public Health (CDPH) data

Episiotomy in Vaginal Deliveries	Outcome (Lower is Better)
UC San Diego Health	0.70%
California average	3.6%
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	100%
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.