Early oral hydration after cesarean delivery performed under regional anesthesia

ObjectiveTo establish an early, safe, and well-tolerated time to start oral hydration after cesarean delivery.MethodsA prospective randomized trial of women delivered by cesarean under regional anesthesia at Alanya Research and Medical Center, Turkey, between 2005 and 2006. A clear liquid drink was given to 100 women in the early oral intake (EOI) group 2 hours after surgery, and to 100 women in the delayed oral intake (DOI) group 8 hours after surgery. If the drink was tolerated, solid foods were then given gradually.ResultIn the EOI and DOI groups, respectively, the mean time for the return of bowel movements was 4.4 ± 1.9 h vs 6.3 ± 2.4 h; mean time elapsed until initial passage of flatus was 12.1 ± 5.5 h vs 24.1 ± 6.0 h; and mean duration of hospitalization was 29.6 ± 5.5 h vs 44.6 ± 6.8 h (P < 0.05).ConclusionFollowing cesarean delivery under regional anesthesia, oral hydration given as early as 2 hours after the operation is safe and well tolerated.