Coffee and gum showed earlier bowel recovery after cesarean delivery
After cesarean delivery, coffee and gum chewing shortened reported times to bowel movements and passing gas versus controls. Their comparison did not establish which was better on the main bowel outcomes.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Both coffee and gum chewing were associated with earlier first bowel movements and passing gas after cesarean delivery compared with controls. However, the network analysis found no statistically clear difference between them on the main bowel outcomes. Some secondary outcomes favored particular options, but those results do not establish overall superiority for bowel recovery.
Time-difference units and control-care details are missing. The conclusion favors gum, although the main bowel comparison is inconclusive. Gum results also varied substantially between studies, which complicates interpretation of the pooled findings.
What researchers found
Times to first bowel movement, passing gas and bowel sounds
Network comparison after cesarean delivery; follow-up length was not specified.
What the comparison examined
The main outcomes recorded when bowel activity first returned after surgery. The review combined coffee-versus-control and gum-versus-control studies, then used a network analysis to compare the options through that trial evidence.
Secondary outcomes differed
Coffee shortened the reported time until food was tolerated compared with controls. Gum did not clearly shorten that outcome or time until hunger, but was linked with shorter hospital stays, fewer complications and greater satisfaction.
The original publication
The effects of coffee versus gum chewing after cesarean on bowel functions: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
Gao T, Liu Q, Wang H et al.
Int J Surg · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 40607963
- Record checked
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