Abstract:
Background: Cesarean section delivery is the most common surgery which associated with postoperative decreased bowel movements. Gum chewing stimulates bowel motility and decrease duration of postoperative ileus. Aim of the study: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of gum chewing on resumption of bowel functions and reducing ileus after cesarean section delivery. A Quasi-experimental design was adopted in the current study. Setting: The study was conducted at the postpartum unit in Benha University Hospital during the period from September 2013 to February 2014. Subjects: A convenience sample including 218 mothers was divided into two groups study group (n= 112) and control group (n= 106). Tools: Two tools were used for data collection, general characteristic interviewing questionnaire and bowel function examination sheet. The study group chewing sugar free gum and the control group received placebo. Results of the study showed highly statistically significant differences in the time of resumption of bowel function and symptoms of postoperative ileus between the groups understudy (p