Effects of Chewing Gum, Fennel, and Ginger Tea on Intestinal Motility and Comfort After Cesarean

Plain-language summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of chewing gum, fennel tea, and ginger tea consumption on intestinal motility and postpartum comfort in women following cesarean section. The primary research questions to be answered are: Do chewing gum, fennel tea, or ginger tea accelerate the onset of bowel sounds after cesarean section? Do these interventions affect the time to first gas passage, defecation, and feeling of hunger? Are there differences among these interventions in terms of their impact on abdominal distension and postpartum comfort? Researchers will compare the effects of the interventions between three groups: chewing gum, fennel tea, and ginger tea. Participants: Women who underwent cesarean section and voluntarily agreed to participate in the study. A total of 96 participants were randomly assigned into three groups of 32 each. Interventions and procedures: Starting 6 hours after cesarean section (following first oral fluid intake), at the 8th and 10th hours: The chewing gum group was asked to chew sugar-free gum for 15 minutes at each time point. The fennel tea group received 2 g of fennel steeped in 150 ml boiling water for 10 minutes. The ginger tea group received 2 g of fresh ginger steeped in 150 ml boiling water for 10 minutes. Bowel sounds were auscultated before and 60 minutes after each intervention. The time of first gas passage, first defecation, and first feeling of hunger was recorded. Abdominal distension was assessed using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) six times in total (before and 60 minutes after each intervention). Postpartum Comfort Scale was applied to all participants at the 12th hour post-cesarean. All data were collected by the researchers. Randomization was supported by a healthcare professional not involved in the study.

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