Effect of mode of delivery on incidence of respiratory distress syndrome.

The effect of route of delivery on incidence of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) has been controversial. While some investigators have reported no difference in RDS rates in infants born by cesarean section as compared to vaginal delivery, others have shown a significant increase in risk for RDS among infants born by cesarean section. Data from the 297 patients comprising the placebo group in the recently completed collaborative study of antenatal steroid therapy in the prevention of neonatal RDS, were analyzed to determine the effect of mode of delivery on RDS. The results indicate that infants born by cesarean section without labor have a higher risk for neonatal RDS than infants born vaginally or by cesarean section after a trial of labor.