Delivery and resuscitation
There is usually warning of impending preterm delivery, allowing time for in utero transfer to a centre with a neonatal ICU bed. Although there may be risks it is easier and generally safer for the infant to be moved in utero.
Delivery by caesarean section is associated with a higher risk of RDS than vaginal delivery (Morrison et al, 1995). This is presumably because the infant is delivered before the onset of labour and the associated adrenergic surfactant release and reduction of foetal lung fluid.