Evaluation of Carbohydrate-Containing Fluid Preloading in Pregnant Women Using the Obstetric Quality of Recovery Scale after Caesarean Section.

Objective: To test the short and long-term effects of consuming carbohydrate-rich beverages on patient-centred outcomes after caesarean delivery under spinal anaesthesia.

Study Design: A prospective randomised controlled study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Karaman Training and Research Hospital, Karaman, Turkiye, between May 2023 and February 2024.

Methodology: A total of one hundred parturients were randomly assigned to two groups. Fifty parturients were in the control group (Group C) and 50 in the oral carbohydrate preloading group (Group OCH). Group OCH were given carbohydrate-rich fluids, while those in Group C received distilled water before undergoing elective caesarean surgery. The primary outcome of this study was to evaluate the Obstetric Quality of Recovery-10 scores (ObsQoR-10) at the postoperative 24th hour. Secondary outcomes were ObsQoR-10 scores on the postoperative 3rd and 7th day, postoperative pain scores, VAS scores, opioid consumption, and sensation of breast fullness. Welch's t-test and mixed-effect models were employed to analyse the outcomes.

Results: The total recovery scores of both groups at the 24th hour, 3rd day, and 7th day were similar (Group C: 80.08 ± 15.58, Group OCH: 80.18 ± 14.6; Group C: 93.98 ± 7.45, Group OCH: 94.12 ± 8.86; Group C: 97.2 ± 5.16, and Group OCH: 98.16 ± 3.18, respectively). The sensation of breast fullness was significantly higher in the Group OCH (p <0.05). No difference was recorded between the groups regarding postoperative tramadol consumption, VAS scores, and the presence of postdural puncture headache (p >0.05).

Conclusion: Although carbohydrate-rich beverages did not affect the ObsQoR-10 score, they may have a notable influence on the increase of breast fullness and tenderness, which promotes breastfeeding among postoperative mothers.

Key Words: Carbohydrate-containing fluid, Caesarean section, ObsQoR-10 scale, Postpartum recovery, Spinal anaesthesia.