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Originally Posted by jenhenwood  Can you explain why her age and that this is her first breeding are considered an additional risk?
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In addition to allowing time to develop physically, it's ideal to let a dog mature emotionally before throwing it into parenthood...let them fully outgrow their 'puppy stage' if you will. I've heard the second heat, which sometimes can be 1 year--too early, IMO. The further out they are from reaching that needed level of maturity, the more risk you have for them not being the 'motherly type.'
As far as it being her first pregnancy--to me, that relates more to the uncertainty in knowing how your female will react individually. Will she be willing to take care of the pups? Will she be a free whelper, need assitance, a section? Once you understand your female's individual 'style,' it's a little easier to recognize what is 'normal' for her. (Most of the time.)
Hopefully that makes sense.