Influence of mode of delivery at term on the neonatal respiratory morbidity

Respiratory morbidity is an important complication of elective cesarean section. Our objective was to find out the incidence of respiratory distress in term neonates delivered by elective cesarean section and compare it with neonates delivered vaginally. We evaluated one thousands infants delivered by elective cesarean section and normal vaginal delivery for respiratory distress. Among 500 cesarean done, 27 [5.4%] neonates had respiratory distress and among 500 vaginal delivery infants, 8 [1.6%] developed respiratory Distress [P<0.001]. The odd ratio for neonatal respiratory distress was 3.38, almost threefold higher in cesarean section group than those delivered vaginally