The frequency of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) was assessed according to indications for delivery and the presence of antecedent labor among 236 newborns delivered by cesarean section. The presence of labor preceding cesarean section did not reduce the risk of RDS significantly, although a trend, not statistically significant, was noted in this direction. Of the delivery indications evaluated, only abruptio placentae appeared to be associated with an increased risk of RDS. However, prematurity was shown to be a possible confounding variable in this regard. These data suggest that the risk of RDS associated with cesarean section is related to the mode of delivery per se and not necessarily to any of the associated factors evaluated in this study.