Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The infant mortality rate is the number of deaths of infants under one year old per 1,000 live births in a given year.
Related terms
Under-five mortality rate: The under-five mortality rate measures the probability of dying before reaching five years old per 1,000 live births.
Maternal mortality ratio: The maternal mortality ratio represents the number of maternal deaths due to pregnancy or childbirth complications per 100,000 live births.
Neonatal mortality rate: The neonatal mortality rate focuses specifically on deaths that occur within the first 28 days after birth per 1,000 live births.