Ultrasonographic Findings in Mid-Trimester Adolescent Pregnancy: Prevalence and Risk of Abnormalities

Jakub Marcin Staniczek ^1* Maisa Manasar-Dyrbuś ¹ Rafał Stojko ¹ Patrycja Sodowska ² Magda Rybak-Krzyszowska ³ Adrianna Kondracka ⁴ Marcin Sadłocha ¹ Krzysztof Sodowski ¹ Agata Włoch ⁵ Bartosz Czuba ⁵ Wojciech Cnota ⁵ Miriam Illa ⁶ Agnieszka Drosdzol-Cop ¹

• ¹ Chair and Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecological Oncology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
• ² Sodowscy Medical Center, Katowice, Poland
• ³ Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, University Hospital, Krakow, Poland
• ⁴ Department of Obstetrics and Pathology of Pregnancy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Lublin, Poland
• ⁵ Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical University of Silesia, Ruda Śląska, Poland
• ⁶ BCNatal Fetal Medicine Research Center, Sant Joan de Déu Hospital, Barcelona, Balearic Islands, Spain

AbstractBackground: Adolescent pregnancy, defined as pregnancy in females aged 19 or younger, is associated with higher risks for adverse outcomes compared to older women. Ultrasound imaging during the mid-trimester is crucial for prenatal care, providing insights into fetal development and maternal health. Objective: The primary aim of this study is to evaluate and compare mid-trimester ultrasound findings between adolescent and older pregnant women and to assess the prevalence and risk of any abnormalities detected during ultrasound examinations. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in the Silesian Voivodeship, Poland, from January 1, 2004, to February 29, 2024. Data were collected from reference prenatal centers. The study included 37,366 individuals, of which 1,152 were adolescents. Participants underwent second-trimester prenatal screening, and ultrasound findings were categorized into fetal abnormalities and maternal factors. Results: The study found significant differences in ultrasonographic findings across different age groups. Adolescent pregnancies showed a higher prevalence of fetal abnormalities, 437.075 per 1000 pregnancies (95% CI: 409-465). Brain, spine, facial, heart, and urinary tract abnormalities were notably higher in group adolescents. Conclusions: Adolescent pregnancies are associated with increased detection of various fetal abnormalities during mid-trimester ultrasound scans. Contrary to common belief, the young age of adolescent pregnant individuals does not protect against fetal abnormalities. These findings underscore the necessity for comprehensive, population-based ultrasound screening for pregnant adolescents and the classification and management of adolescent pregnancies as high-risk.