The fundi of 317 newborns were examined within the 1st 24 hr. after birth in order to observe the relationship between retinal hemorrhages and case histories of the labors. Retinal hemorrhages occurred in 61 newborns (19.2%). The occurrence was higher among the deliveries of primiparas (25.2%) and among deliveries complicated by different pathologic conditions. No single case of retinal hemorrhage was found among newborns delivered by cesarean section. In 25 cases of vacuum extraction, 13 (52%) suffered from retinal hemorrhages. There was a direct correlation between the time of extraction and the incidence of the lesion. The retinal hemorrhages were divided into 3 morphologic groups, namely, flame-shaped; large and round; and small. In cases of vacuum extraction and prolonged labor, large hemorrhages were the dominant type, whereas among quick, easy deliveries, the small type was predominant. Flame-shaped hemorrhages were observed mainly in cases of anoxia. The possibility that sudden pressure changes in the skull contribute to retinal hemorrhage is discussed. Although there appeared to be no association between retinal hemorrhages and brain damage, it is possible that minor changes in the central nervous system may still be undetectable whereas retinal hemorrhages are more readily observed at this stage.