Most Pregnancy-Related Deaths Are Preventable A new report from the CDC has revealed that 3 in 5 pregnancy-related deaths in America are preventable. Pregnancy-related deaths include those that happen up to a year br after birth. Pregnancy complication, health issues triggered by pregnancy or the worsening of an underlying condition are all common causes of death. There are about 700 pregnancy-related deaths per year, with 31 of deaths occurring during pregnancy. 36 happened the day of delivery or a week after. 33 happened a week to one year following delivery. Dr. Emily Petersen, CDC, via CNN Dr.