Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Nursing - Department of Maternal and Newborn Health Nursing

Cesarean section surgery is the most surgical intervention that affects the functional activities of women. Post cesarean section exercises help in earlier resuming of functional activities and reduce the post-operative complaints. Aim: Was to examine the impact of early post caesarean section exercises on early resumption of women's functional activities. Design: Quasi-experimental design (i.e. non-equivalent control group design) was utilized for the present study. Setting: The study was conducted at the antenatal unit, postpartum caesarean section unit at Shebin-Elcom University Hospital, Al-Menoufia Governorate, as well as women's home for follow up. Sample: A purposive sample of 60 women who underwent caesarean section were recruited in the study. This sample was divided into the study and the control groups, 30 women in each group. Tools: Data was collected by using 1) An interviewing Questionnaire Schedule; 2) Visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain intensity; 3) Visual analogue scale (VAS) for functional activities; 4) Likert scale for daily living activities at home; and 5) Follow up sheet for post-operative complaints at home. Results: There were statistical significant differences between the study and the control groups regarding passage of first flatus, ability to perform functional activities like getting out of bed, walking, ability to perform daily activities at home, and occurrence of complaints such as dysuria, constipation and breast engorgement (p{u2264}0.001). Conclusion: Post-caesarean exercises were effective as shown in early resumption of activity, high ability to perform daily activity and early postpartum recovery. Recommendation: Early post-caesarean section exercises should be integrated into the nursing care protocol for women in obstetric departments

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