The Effect of Gum Chewing, Early Oral Hydration, and Early Mobilization on Intestinal Motility After Cesarean Birth

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of gum chewing, early oral hydration, and early mobilization after cesarean birth on intestinal sounds, passing gas, and intestinal evacuation.

Design: Randomized controlled study. Setting: This study was conducted at the Obstetrics Service of the one Obstetrics and Child Diseases Hospital.

Participants: A total of 240 females divided into 8 groups of 30 subjects each were included within the scope of the sample.

Methods: The women who underwent cesarean birth were divided into eight groups by using 23 factorial test levels, depending on the use of three different methods of gum chewing, early oral hydration, and early mobilization. No intervention was applied to the women in the control group. For the other seven groups, the intestinal sounds were checked every 30 minutes with a stethoscope over the abdomen and the first time of passing gas and the first evacuation time were recorded by asking the mother. The data were evaluated with numbers, mean, and percentage calculations, Student's t test, one-way variance analysis, correlation, and Tukey HSD test.

Results: The intestinal sounds were heard earlier, gas was passed earlier, and bowel movements were earlier in the first group that received all interventions compared to the other groups (p <.05). The patient could not be discharged before 48 hours had passed after the cesarean birth according to the hospital protocol and the time of discharge was therefore not affected by interventions.

Linking Evidence to Action: All of the three different interventions, such as gum chewing, early oral hydration, and early mobilization after cesarean birth, increase intestinal motility. The interventions are recommended during postoperative routine care to shorten hospital stay and prevent postoperative ileus.