Adolescent Pregnancy: A Comparative Insight into the Prevalence and Risks of Obstetric Complications in a Polish Cohort

Background: Adolescent pregnancy is associated with increased risk of both maternal and neonatal complications. Common maternal complications include anemia, hypertensive disorders, and a higher incidence of infections, including Group B Streptococcus (GBS). Additionally, adolescents are at increased risk for gestational diabetes and postpartum hemorrhage. Neonatal complications often involve low birth weight, prematurity, and an increased likelihood of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. Objectives: This study aims to assess and compare the prevalence of obstetric complications between adolescent and older pregnant women. Methods: This retrospective study investigates obstetric outcomes in adolescent pregnancies, analyzing data collected from 1 January 2016 to 30 June 2024. This study included 902 participants, of whom 224 were adolescents. The variables were categorized into maternal, birth, and neonatal characteristics. Results: Adolescent patients demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection, affecting 25.89% of this group. Adolescent patients reported 17.86% nicotine use during pregnancy, a rate significantly higher than that of older age groups (p < 0.001). Additionally, adolescent pregnancies were associated with the highest mean blood loss during delivery, averaging 500 mL during vaginal birth and 1050 mL during cesarean section, leading to a higher incidence of blood transfusions (3.13%, p = 0.021). Newborns from adolescent pregnancies had the lowest mean birth weight (3199 g) and length (53.6 cm). Neonatal complications were more frequent in this group, affecting 20.09% of newborns, with a significantly higher rate of admission to intensive care units (2.68%, p = 0.008). These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and more proactive management strategies to address the specific challenges faced by this population.