Abstract： The rates of cesarean delivery are dramatically rising in many parts of the world due to the improved surgical techniques and broaden clinical indications,along with the inadequate recognition of potential disadvantages for neonates.This review is to investigate the short-term and long-term influence of elective cesarean section on neonatal outcomes,including neonatal respiratory morbidity,iatrogenic prematurity,postnatal development of the immune system and atopic disease.Althongh there is no evidence that cesarean section is an independent risk factor so far,present studies clearly demonstrate that it plays an important role concurrent with other factors in increasing neonatal morbidity and mortality.Consequently,efforts should be made to reduce high rate of elective cesarean sections through elaborate investigation of medical indications before the operation.