A wide variety of risks are associated with fertility in general and childbirth in particular. Some of these have been covered in the other pages on teen pregnancy and low birth weight . Closely spaced births result in higher infant and child mortality. Babies born less than two years after their next oldest sibling are twice as likely to die in the first year as those born after an interval of at least two years.
Infant mortality is one of the most solemn events a family can experience.
This is slightly lower than the U.S. rate of 7.2 in 1996. Mortal risks face women in the child bearing process during their reproductive period. In Utah, approximately five maternal deaths take place every year. 33 Many unintended pregnancies are terminated through abortion which can be a significant emotional experience. Children born to mothers who are HIV positive are at a greater risk of acquiring the virus from their mother during pregnancy or delivery.