# Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes of Cervical Colonization in Adolescent Pregnancies: A Brief Report

## TL;DR

This study finds that adolescent pregnancies with cervical colonization by GBS are linked to higher rates of complications and adverse outcomes for newborns.

## Contribution

The study highlights the specific risks of GBS colonization in adolescent pregnancies and its impact on neonatal and maternal outcomes.

## Key findings

- Adolescent mothers had significantly higher GBS colonization rates in the third trimester compared to older mothers.
- Neonates of adolescent mothers had higher rates of congenital pneumonia and antibiotic use.
- Adolescent mothers experienced more postpartum blood loss and longer hospital stays.

## Abstract

Objective: This study examines early neonatal adaptation and birth complications in adolescents with term pregnancies who had positive cervical canal cultures upon hospital admission. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed data from 1 January 2015 to 15 November 2024. Conducted at Bonifraters Medical Center in Katowice, Poland, the study included 267 individuals, with 178 over the age of 19 and 89 under the age of 19. Results: Adolescents exhibited significantly higher rates of positive GBS cultures in the third trimester (62.92% vs. 38.20%; p < 0.001) than older individuals. Neonates of adolescent mothers experienced increased congenital pneumonia (7.87% vs. 1.12%; p = 0.012) and antibiotic administration (10.11% vs. 2.81%; p = 0.026). Lactation failure was markedly higher in adolescent mothers (10.11% vs. 1.12%; p = 0.002). Adolescents also showed more postpartum blood loss (median: 250 mL vs. 200 mL; p < 0.001) and more extended hospital stays (median: 3 vs. 2 days; p = 0.002). Neonatal anthropometric measures revealed shorter body lengths in the adolescent group (median: 53 cm vs. 54 cm; p = 0.003). Conclusions: Adolescent pregnancies are associated with significantly higher rates of complications and adverse neonatal outcomes, especially infectious causes. Although our study results are preliminary, it appears that chronic GBS colonization in pregnant adolescents may impact pregnancy and newborn outcomes.