Effect of Coffee Consumption on Pain and Intestinal Motility After Caesarean Section:

Effect of Coffee Consumption on Postoperative Pain and Intestinal Motility After Caesarean Section: Randomized Controlled Study

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate whether postoperative coffee intake affects pain levels and bowel motility in women undergoing cesarean delivery.

Design: It will be conducted as a randomized controlled experimental study. Method: It is a randomized controlled experimental study: This randomized controlled clinical trial will be conducted between May and December 2024 in accordance with the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials. A total of 60 women will be randomly assigned to the intervention group (n=30) or the control group (n=30). Participants in the intervention group will receive 100 mg caffeine in coffee at 6 and 12 hours after surgery in addition to routine postoperative care. The control group will receive only routine postoperative care. Pain will be assessed using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and bowel activity will be monitored by time to first defecation, gas passage and bowel sounds.

Keywords: Caesarean section, Coffee, Pain, Motility

Inclusion Criteria:

• had a cesarean delivery with spinal anesthesia,
• had a postoperative pain level of 4 or higher,
• could read and write Turkish,
• could communicate effectively with the researchers.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Those who underwent emergency cesarean section,
• Those with pregnancy complications (e.g., preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, placenta previa),
• Those with a history of chronic gastrointestinal disease (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis),
• Those with caffeine sensitivity or allergy,
• Those with chronic pain syndrome or analgesic dependence,
• Those who regularly consume coffee (≥2 cups per day),
• Those who experienced intraoperative complications (e.g., bowel or bladder injury),
• Those who could not comply with the study protocol.