Comparing 4 maternity hospitals in San Diego, CA using official CMS quality ratings and safety data to help you choose the safest place to give birth.
Uc San Diego Health Hillcrest – Hillcrest Med Ctr
(619) 543-6222
Sharp Memorial Hospital
(858) 939-3400
Kaiser Foundation Hospital – San Diego
(619) 528-5000
Scripps Mercy Hospital
(619) 294-8111
What Is a Birthing-Friendly Hospital?
The CMS Birthing-Friendly designation recognizes hospitals that have implemented best practices for maternity care, including reducing C-section rates for low-risk births and promoting evidence-based care during labor and delivery.
In San Diego, 4 of 4 hospitals are Birthing-Friendly: Uc San Diego Health Hillcrest – Hillcrest Med Ctr, Scripps Mercy Hospital, Sharp Memorial Hospital, Kaiser Foundation Hospital – San Diego.
Hospital Safety Comparison
Compare safety scores for all 4 hospitals in San Diego. Higher safety scores and lower mortality concerns indicate better patient outcomes.
| Hospital | Overall Rating | Safety Score | Birthing-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uc San Diego Health Hillcrest – Hillcrest Med Ctr | 5/5 | 3/8 above avg | Yes |
| Sharp Memorial Hospital | 4/5 | 2/8 above avg | Yes |
| Kaiser Foundation Hospital – San Diego | 4/5 | 2/6 above avg | Yes |
| Scripps Mercy Hospital | 3/5 | 1/7 above avg | Yes |
How to Choose a Hospital for Birth in San Diego
Choosing where to give birth is one of the most important decisions during pregnancy. Here are key questions to ask when touring hospitals in San Diego:
- What is the hospital’s C-section rate for low-risk births?
- Does the hospital have a NICU, and what level of neonatal care is available?
- What are the hospital’s policies on birth plans, doulas, and support persons?
- Is the hospital designated as CMS Birthing-Friendly?
- What pain management options are available (epidurals, nitrous oxide, hydrotherapy)?
- What is the nurse-to-patient ratio in labor and delivery?
- Does the hospital offer lactation support and skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth?
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hospitals are in San Diego, CA?
There are 4 CMS-certified hospitals in San Diego, CA. Of these, 4 have earned the CMS Birthing-Friendly designation.
What is the best-rated hospital in San Diego for giving birth?
The highest-rated hospital in San Diego is Uc San Diego Health Hillcrest – Hillcrest Med Ctr with a CMS rating of 5/5. It also holds the CMS Birthing-Friendly designation.
What does Birthing-Friendly mean?
The Birthing-Friendly designation is awarded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to hospitals that meet quality benchmarks for maternity care, including lower C-section rates and better birth outcomes.
