Early oral intake after caesarean section performed under general anaesthesia

This study assesses the outcome and benefits of initiation of oral intake 4 hours after caesarean section done under general anaesthesia. After uncomplicated sections, 207 healthy women were alternately assigned either to start oral intake 4 hours after operation, with concurrent stoppage of infusions (n = 106) or to receive 'standard'postoperative care (n = 101). Early oral intake was not associated with increase in gastrointestinal morbidity. Compared with the control group the early intake group had a shorter mean time to first flatus and to first bowel evacuation; initiated breast feeding earlier; ambulated more and were more satisfied. Both groups had similar urine output in the first 24 hours. The nurse's work load decreased when they looked after the early intake group. It is concluded that post-caesarean mothers could be adequately hydrated orally after discontinuing infusions in the early postoperative period without apparent harm and with benefit.