While the United States ranked poorly for maternal health among developed countries, Delaware County is among the counties that rank in the “low” risk category, according to the maternal vulnerability index compiled by Surgo Ventures nonprofit, reports the Patch.

“When it comes to a mother’s health and survival, the United States fares worst among high-income countries,” said Surgo Ventures CEO Dr. Sema K. Sgaier.

The reasons for that are complex. A new index hopes to trace the key factors on a local level,

The new index ranges from zero to 100 and is based on 43 indicators. A lower score indicates a lesser likelihood of poor pregnancy outcomes such as preeclampsia, premature birth, and maternal death.

Delaware County is among the safer counties nationwide for maternal health with an index score of 28. For comparison, Pennsylvania as a whole scored a 58.

In separate categories, Delaware County scored highest in general healthcare with an index score of 1 and reproductive healthcare with 11.

Meanwhile, the county’s physical health index score is 37, socioeconomic determinants is 38, mental health and substance abuse is 45, and physical environment index score is the highest at 86.

Read more about the rankings in the Patch.

This TEDx Talk from Dr. Monique Rainford in 2018 talks about the rising maternal mortality rate in the US.