Özet:

Evidence-based practices includes the best interventions for the patients. There are some evidences and suggestions about preoperative fasting time before cesarean section. Restricting oral intake of liquids or solids from midnight is an old practice called nil per os (NPO) is widely practiced in clinics. This is used to minimize the complications of anesthesia such as aspiration and regurgitation. When the surgical procedure delayed, fasting period is prolonged. Prolonged fasting times can cause harm effects like dehydration, insulin resistance, anxiety and headache. Current preoperative fasting guidelines and evidence-based practices should be followed to reduce these undesirable effects. Fasting from the intake of clear liquids for two hours; solids for six or eight hours before surgery is suggested in the current guidelines. Health professionals especially midwives who give care for women before cesarean section, should follow the current guidelines to increase the quality of healthcare. In this review, the effects of the pre-cesarean fasting period, current practices and recommendations were discussed in order to increase the knowledge level of health professionals.

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