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The recently released "maternal vulnerability index" ranks Merrimack County among the places with leading maternal health development.

“The U.S. ranks poorly among developed countries for maternal health. Here is how Merrimack County compares to the U.S," Patch tweeted Nov. 3.

According to Patch, the report, pieced together by Surgo Ventures, reveals that Merrimack County ranked low in terms of risk for maternal health with an index of 3.9, according to the nonprofit organization, in comparison to the national average.

Factoring in general and reproductive health care, mental health and substance abuse, socioeconomic factors and the physical environment, the report is based on both a state and county level, Patch reports. The index, which ranges from zero to 100, is based on 43 indicators. The higher the score, the higher the vulnerability of pregnant women living there for 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 Sgaier. "What's been even less carefully explored is the degree to which a woman's environment contributes to her risk of pregnancy-related death or other poor health outcomes.”

Approximately 700 women lose their lives to pregnancy-related health conditions each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.