Medical context
Giving birth (US)
Estimated population-level maternal acute risk associated with childbirth in the United States.
Base risk estimate
24.0 micromorts per births
Population-level estimate. Not a personal prediction.
Assumptions
Reflects the US national population-level maternal mortality rate for 2022. Includes deaths during pregnancy, delivery, and the immediate postpartum period.
Limitations
US national average. Rates vary significantly by race, ethnicity, age, geographic region, access to prenatal care, and underlying health conditions. Not appropriate as personal medical risk guidance.
Source notes
CDC NCHS reports 23.8 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in the United States in 2022 (Hoyert DL, NCHS Health E-Stats, 2024). Maternal death includes deaths during pregnancy, childbirth, and within 42 days postpartum from causes related to or aggravated by the pregnancy.
Last reviewed
6/11/2026
How does this compare?
Activities with a similar per-unit risk level. Units vary — these are approximate comparisons.
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RiskLens is an educational tool. It uses population-level estimates to help explain relative risk. It is not a prediction of your personal risk and should not be used as medical, legal, financial, or safety advice.