BSTRACT:
Introduction: Recovery of intestinal function after cesarean delivery is a challenge. Gum chewing  stimulates nerves in digestive system. It also enhances bowel motility by stimulating vago-vagal reflex,  intestinal myoelectric activity increasing secretion of saliva and pancreatic juice. The study aim was to  determine efficacy of gum chewing for early recovery of intestinal function after cesarean delivery.  
Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial done in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology,  PIMS Hospital, Islamabad in six months from 28^th November 2019 to 27^th May 2020. A total of 100 women  undergoing elective cesarean section were selected. Interventional Group was provided with sugar coated  chewing gums 15 minutes every 2 hourly after surgery while in the control group no chewing gum was  given. Study outcome was intestinal sounds (on auscultation), first passage of flatus, first feeling of hunger  and the first defecation.  
Results: Mean age was 29.59 ± 4.26 in intervention and 29.41 ± 4.21 years in control group. The mean  first bowl sound in group A (gum chewing) was 20.50 ± 2.45 hours whereas in group B (control) 26.98 ±  2.07 hours (p-value <0.001). The mean first passage of flatus was 18.45 ± 2.14 in group A and 25.70 ±  2.75 hours in group B (p-value, <0.001). The mean first Feeling of hunger was 10.32 ± 1.73 in group A  and 16.13 ± 2.65 hours in group B (p-value <0.001). The mean first defecation was 27.36 ± 2.56 in group  A while 41.08 ± 2.94 hours in group B (p-value, <0.001).
Conclusion: The patients taking chewing gum after cesarean section have early postop intestinal functional  recovery compared with those not taking chewing gum.
Keywords: Cesarean section, gum chewing, passage of first flatus.