Coffee Consumption can Enhance Post-Cesarean Section Bowel Movements

Gastrointestinal and bowel movement problems are common after abdominal surgeries. As coffee promotes bowel movements and given the high rate of cesarean sections (C-sections), this study evaluated the impact of coffee consumption on intestinal motility.

A triple-blinded clinical trial included 200 randomly selected women who had undergone C-sections at Akbarabadi and Firouzgar hospitals. Participants were randomly divided into two groups – the intervention group received 100 cc of coffee––1-, 2-, 8-, and 24-hours post-surgery, while the control group was given 100 cc of warm water at the same intervals. Bowel movements were monitored and compared between the groups. Data analysis was conducted using the independent sample t-test, Chi-square test, and SATA 15th Ed.

Initially, no significant demographic or basic differences were observed between the groups. Significant differences were recorded in terms of the timing of bowel sounds returning, the first post-surgery gas passage, and the first bowel movement. However, the length of hospitalization remained comparable between the groups.

The findings suggested positive effects of coffee consumption on bowel movements post C-section. Thus, this adjunct can be advocated in patients experiencing gastrointestinal problems or fecal retention issues after a C-section.

Source: Vafaei N, Panahi R, Mokhtari M, et al. J Obst Gynec India. 2024 Mar 15:1-6.