Infant mortality rate on the rise in Utah

Utah's infant mortality rate is increasing.

The most recent state health department data show Utah's 2006 infant mortality rate was 5 deaths per 1,000 live births. That's up from 4.5 per 1,000 in 2005.

Nationally, the rate is 6.8 deaths per 1,000 births.

State health officials say the reason for the increase is that there are more premature babies being born and they have a greater chance of dying. Increasing obesity rates among pregnant women put babies at risk.