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Gastric emptying in the postpartum period
1Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T.
Anaesthesia and Intensive Care
|November 1, 1991
Summary
Postpartum gastric emptying remains rapid in the early days and at six weeks after childbirth. These findings indicate that fluid fasting guidelines for postpartum patients can align with those for non-pregnant individuals.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pharmacokinetics
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Postpartum physiological changes can affect gastric emptying.
- Understanding gastric emptying is crucial for fluid fasting guidelines in postpartum care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure and compare gastric emptying in women on the first and third postpartum days.
- To assess gastric emptying and paracetamol metabolism at six weeks postpartum.
Main Methods:
- Utilized paracetamol absorption technique to assess gastric emptying.
- Measured time to peak plasma concentration of paracetamol.
- Included eight women in the immediate postpartum period and six at six weeks.
Main Results:
- Gastric emptying was rapid on both the first and third postpartum days, with no significant difference.
- At six weeks postpartum, gastric emptying remained rapid, but paracetamol metabolism appeared slower.
- No significant variations in gastric emptying were observed between early postpartum days.
Conclusions:
- Rapid gastric emptying persists in the early postpartum period.
- Slower paracetamol metabolism noted at six weeks postpartum warrants further investigation.
- Current fluid fasting guidelines for non-pregnant patients are likely applicable to postpartum patients beyond the first day.