Problems Emptying Your Bladder After Birth

Urinating after unmedicated birth

• New moms who have accomplished an unmedicated birth are able to get up and use the toilet within the first hour after the baby's birth. The nurse will help you get out of bed, since you may be dizzy upon standing for the first time. It is important to urinate this soon so that the bladder does not get in the way of the uterus involuting (returning to its pre-pregnancy size). If the bladder fills up and prevents involution of the uterus, the risk of postpartum bleeding is increased. Take your time and don't rush to urinate--your body has a lot of excess fluid from the increased blood volume of pregnancy, thirst during labor and intravenous fluids.
  
  

Recovery after epidural

• Placing a urinary catheter to withdraw the urine is a standard practice with epidural anesthesia because the numbing drugs prevent the laboring woman from getting up to use the bathroom when her bladder is full. Moms who have an epidural usually have the catheter removed once they start to regain feeling in their lower extremities after the baby's birth. If you chose an epidural for pain relief during labor, when you are ready to get up, the nurse will help you to the bathroom and help you care for your sore bottom, which may be tender from stitches and catheterization.
  
  

Trouble with urination

• Sometimes, women have difficulty releasing their urine because of a lack of muscle tone, soreness, swelling or bruising in their lower abdominal muscles. If you can't easily release urine, try running water over your perineum (pelvic floor) and practice deep breathing to relax. Some women respond well to the sound of running water from a faucet or standing in a warm shower.
  
  

Home remedies

• A sitz bath can be comforting to the soreness of the perineum and aid in the release of urine. Make a sitz bath by running a few inches of hot water in the tub with Epsom salts, sea salt or an herbal "bath tea" mixture that can be found at your local herbalist or health food store. A medicated topical analgesic spray can also relieve the stinging associated with urination after perineal tearing or an episiotomy.
  
  

Identifying and treating infection

• If you consistently have trouble urinating, despite using techniques to stimulate flow, a urinary tract infection (UTI) can develop. Bacteria introduced by catheterization also can contribute to UTIs. Watch for signs of fever, pain during urination, incontinence and abdominal soreness. Notify your doctor about these symptoms. She may prescribe an antibiotic and a pain reliever like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to treat the infection, as well as drinking plenty of fluids, emptying your bladder frequently and getting lots of rest.