A 2021 index of “Maternal Vulnerability” ranged from zero to 100, based on 43 indicators. A lower score indicated a lesser likelihood of poor pregnancy outcomes such as preeclampsia, premature birth, and maternal death.

“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.

While the United States ranked poorly for maternal health among developed countries, Montgomery County was among the counties that are ranked in the “very low” risk category, according to the maternal vulnerability index compiled by Surgo Ventures nonprofit, in a Nov. 2021 issue of the Norristown Patch.

Montgomery County came among the safest counties nationwide for maternal health, with its index score of 0.9.

For comparison, the state of Pennsylvania as a whole scored a 58.

In separate categories, Montgomery County scored highest in general healthcare with an index score of 0.5 and physical health with 3.6 over other counties.

Meanwhile, the county’s socioeconomic determinants index score was 12.3, reproductive health care was 15.2, the physical environment was 20.7, and mental health and substance abuse index score was the highest at 26.7.

Read more about the Maternal health rankings that the Surgo Ventures nonprofit compiled for Montgomery County in the Norristown Patch.

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Editor’s Note: This MONTCO Today post ran originally on Nov. 5, 2021; it has been edited for accuracy.