Background: The aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of postoperative gum chewing on the recovery of peristalsis after caesarean section. Study design was a randomized controlled study. Settings were at GMERS medical college and hospital, Sola, Ahmedabad. Population was total of 200 pregnant women who underwent caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia.Methods: Women were randomized into two groups. Group A who received 1 chewing gum for 15 minutes every 2 hours post-surgery. Group B had traditional management (oral intake of clear fluids after 12 hours).Results: The study group showed shorter mean interval time for return of bowel sounds, passage of flatus, passage of bowel motion and shorter hospital stay as compared to the control group. Conclusions: Chewing gum is safe post-CS, well tolerated and associated with rapid return of intestinal motility and shorter hospital stay.

Background: Maternal health is an important aspect for the development of any country in terms of increasing equity and reducing poverty. In 2009, WHO came up with clinical, laboratory and management criteria for identification of the maternal near miss cases. Aim of the current study was to determine the level of near-miss maternal morbidity and mortality due to severe obstetrical complications or maternal disease in a tertiary care hospital. Objectives of the study were to compare the relation of near miss events with that of maternal mortality and to see the trend of near miss events.Methods: Cases were defined based on WHO criteria 2009. Study was conducted at GMERS Medical College and Hospital, Sola, Ahmedabad from 2020 to 2021. The study population were near miss cases and maternal deaths.Results: During the period of audit there were a total of 6776 deliveries, 6434 live birth, 145 near miss and 36 maternal deaths.Conclusions: Haemorrhage and hypertension are the leading cause of maternal near miss and maternal mortality in our hospital. As near miss indices represent quality of health care it should be represented in the national indices.