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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07764367

Evaluation the Effects of Chewing Gum

This study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effects of gum chewing in the early postpartum period on bowel function, postpartum comfort, and postpartum satisfaction in women. The sample consisted of 66 women, 33 in the experimental group and 33 in the control group. Data were collected using a pre-assessment form, a demographic information form, a bowel function monitoring form, a postpartum comfort scale, and a maternal satisfaction scale (cesarean delivery). While the control group received no intervention other than standard postoperative care, the experimental group underwent gum chewing at 4, 6, and 8 hours postpartum.

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Key information

Conditions

Intestinal Motility Postpartum Comfort Postpartum Satisfaction

Age range

18 year–45 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Karabuk Training and Research Hospital

Karabük, 78100, Turkey (Türkiye)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Women aged 18-45 years
  • Women who underwent cesarean section under epidural or spinal anesthesia

Exclusion criteria

  • Cesarean delivery under general anesthesia
  • Jaw or oral membrane problems that may prevent chewing gum
  • Any systemic or chronic disease
  • Any mental or psychiatric illness
  • History of chronic constipation
  • Any communication problems, including mental, auditory, or visual impairments

Treatment and study plan

Chewing Gum

Other

In addition to routine post-cesarean care, women in the experimental group were given commercially available sugar-free, aspartame-free, sorbitol-free, xylitol-free, soft, and easy-to-chew gum to chew from the 4th hour post-operatively until they switched to Diet I. Since oral feeding was started at the 6th hour in the clinic where the study was conducted, women in the experimental group were given gum to chew at the 4th, 6th, and 8th hours after cesarean section, with each chewing session lasting between 15 and 30 minutes. The women were instructed to chew their gum at the 6th hour post-cesarean and then drink water before starting oral feeding. The gum used in one period was not repeated in the next period; a new pack of gum was used. In this way, each woman chewed a total of 3 pieces of gum.

Primary outcomes

  1. Bowel motility (time to pass gas and stool)

    Time frame: 2 hours after cesarean section (baseline) and 44-48 hours after cesarean section (post-test).

  2. Maternal Satisfaction With Caesarean Birth Measured Using the Scale for Measuring Maternal Satisfaction-Caesarean Birth

    Time frame: 2 hours after cesarean section (baseline) and 44-48 hours after cesarean section (post-test).

    This measurement was evaluated using the Maternal Satisfaction Assessment Scale at Birth (Cesarean Birth). Developed by Güngör and Beji (2009) to assess the experiences of women in the early postpartum period after cesarean delivery, this scale consists of 42 items on a 5-point Likert scale with 10 sub-dimensions: perception of the healthcare team, preparation for cesarean section, reassurance, participation in decision-making and information sharing, meeting the baby, postpartum care, hospital room, hospital facilities, respect for privacy, and meeting expectations. Each item on the scale is scored between 1 (strongly disagree) and 5 (strongly agree). Twelve items (8, 9, 10, 19, 20, 21, 22, 34, 35, 37, 40, 41) are reverse-scored. The highest possible score is 210, and the lowest is 42. As the score on the scale increases, the level of satisfaction also increases.

  3. Postpartum Comfort Level Measured Using the Postpartum Comfort Scale (PCS)

    Time frame: 2 hours after cesarean section (baseline) and 44-48 hours after cesarean section (post-test).

    This measurement was evaluated using the Postpartum Comfort Scale. It is a scale developed by Karakaplan and Yıldız, based on Kolcaba's general comfort scale, and adapted for our country. It was developed to evaluate the comfort of women who have had cesarean and vaginal deliveries. The scale consists of 34 items with 3 sub-dimensions: sociocultural, psychospiritual, and physical, using a 5-point Likert scale. Each item is scored between 1 (strongly disagree) and 5 (strongly agree). The highest possible score on the scale is 170, and the lowest is 34. The Postpartum Comfort Scale and sub-dimension scores are evaluated based on the total score, and as the score increases, the comfort level of the women increases.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Karabuk University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Evaluating the Effects of Chewing Gum on Bowel Function, Postpartum Comfort and Satisfaction With Caesarean Birth: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Aug 13, 2026
Registry last updated
Aug 13, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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