AUTHOR=Staniczek Jakub , Manasar-Dyrbuś Maisa , Stojko Rafał , Sodowska Patrycja , Rybak-Krzyszkowska Magda , Kondracka Adrianna , Sadłocha Marcin , Sodowski Krzysztof , Włoch Agata , Czuba Bartosz , Cnota Wojciech , Illa Miriam , Drosdzol-Cop Agnieszka 

TITLE=Ultrasonographic findings in mid-trimester adolescent pregnancy: prevalence and risk of abnormalities

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Medicine

VOLUME=Volume 12 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2025.1525149

DOI=10.3389/fmed.2025.1525149

ISSN=2296-858X

ABSTRACT=BackgroundAdolescent 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.ObjectiveThe 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.MethodsThis 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.ResultsThe study found significant differences in ultrasonographic findings across different age groups. Adolescent pregnancies showed a higher prevalence of fetal abnormalities, 437.075 per 1,000 pregnancies (95% CI: 409–465). Brain, spine, facial, heart, and urinary tract abnormalities were notably higher in group adolescents.ConclusionAdolescent 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.