Gum Chewing on Accelerating the Bowel Motility after Caesarean Section

Background: Caesarean section is performed when it is indicated to prevent maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. However, it is associated with certain risks for complications that can hinder the comfort and early recovery after the surgery. Chewing gum as a form of sham feeding aids in resumption of gastrointestinal function among post caesarean mothers. Aim:The aim of the review is to determine the effect of gum chewing on accelerating the bowel motility in post caesarean section. Methods: Review search through PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline Plus and Scopus index. Results:Gum chewing gum provided a significant differences in early return of bowel sounds, time to first passage of flatus, time to feeling of hunger and shortening the length of hospital stay. Conclusion: Gum chewing might be a safe, and inexpensive way to provide the benefits of early stimulation of the gastrointestinal tract after caesarean section. Keywords: Gum chewing, intestinal function caesarean section and post caesarean mothers