Introduction: Adolescence (from the Latin adolescere, meaning "to become mature, to grow up") lasts from 10 to 19 years according to the definition of the World Health Organization. Adolescent pregnancy represents a significant medical and social challenge. The aim of this study was to compare epidemiological parameters and perinatal outcomes at the maternity ward in Zaječar over an 18-year period, specifically to analyze and compare the frequency and outcomes of deliveries among adolescent girls in Zaječar, and to present the incidence of adolescent births, newborn birth weight, mode of delivery, and employment status of adolescent mothers in 2007 compared to 2025 in Zaječar. Methods: A retrospective analysis of delivery records and medical histories of women who gave birth at the Gynecology and Obstetrics Department of the Health Center Zaječar, along with statistical data analysis. Results: The results show that the total number of deliveries almost halved from 2007 to 2025, from 555 to 298. The number of adolescent mothers also decreased from 46 (8.29%) in 2007 to 11 (3.69%) in 2025, which is statistically significant (χ² = 4.72; p = 0.029). The majority of newborns of adolescent mothers in 2007 were eutrophic, 39 (84.78%), with a mean birth weight of 2850 g ± 410, while in 2025 all newborns were eutrophic with a mean birth weight of 3100 g ± 350 g, but without a statistically significant difference (t = 1.41; p = 0.16). In both observed periods, deliveries were predominantly vaginal, although the frequency of cesarean sections was higher in 2025, without statistical significance (χ² = 1.56; p = 0.21). Adolescent mothers were predominantly unemployed in both periods. Conclusion: Comparative analysis shows that the proportion of adolescent deliveries significantly decreased from 8.28% in 2007 to 3.69% in 2025 (χ² = 4.72; p = 0.029). No statistically significant difference was found in birth weight (t = 1.41; p = 0.16). The frequency of cesarean sections was higher in 2025, but without statistical significance (χ² = 1.56; p = 0.21). In both 2007 and 2025, adolescent mothers were unemployed and economically dependent. One of the major tasks for obstetricians and gynecologists is to identify adolescents at risk and prevent behaviors leading to unintended pregnancy. Further work on primary prevention in local communities of Eastern Serbia is necessary.
Vera Najdanović-Mandić (Thu,) studied this question.