The role of glucocorticoids, unstressful labor, and atraumatic delivery in the prevention of respiratory distress syndrome.

A 37 month review of the effects of glucocorticoids and uncompromised labor with atraumatic delivery on the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is presented. The incidence of RDS in the control and study population is not significantly different; however, the incidence of RDS in the control and study groups is markedly lower than the published figures for the same age and weight range. The low incidence of RDS in the control population is attributed to the avoidance of intrapartum hypoxia and stress during an uncompromised labor and atraumatic delivery.