Urination after delivery
The pelvic floor is exposed to a great deal of strain during pregnancy and childbirth. After giving birth, some urinary tract problems are common.
2 min read
Verified by Ingela Ågren
Certified Midwife
Burning during urination: It can burn while you urinate after delivery due to small, superficial stretch marks in the lining of the pelvic floor. The burning usually passes after a few days. Be sure to drink a lot of fluids so that the urine is more diluted. It also helps to urinate in the shower so you can rinse with water at the same time.
Large amounts of urine: After giving birth it is common for a body to produce more urine for a few days. Urination is important because it helps the uterus contract.
Difficulties emptying the bladder: It can sometimes be hard to fully empty the bladder. The risk of this increases due to, among other things, if the birth has been delayed, you have had epidural anaesthesia, had a large rupture or if you have given birth with the help of a suction cup. After delivery, ensure that you can urinate. With urination difficulties, your midwife may need to empty your bladder with a catheter. If it continues to be difficult to empty your bladder, or if you have large amounts of urine left in your bladder after delivery, you may need to have a urine catheter for a few days. This keeps the bladder empty, allowing it to recover. You can go home with the catheter and will book a time for a follow-up.
Urinary tract infection: A urinary tract infection is common after delivery. If you have had a catheter while birthing with a caesarean section or after you have given birth vaginally, this risk increases. Common symptoms include burning when urinating, frequent urination, foul-smelling urine, and lower abdominal pain or fever. If you suspect you have a urinary tract infection, seek treatment.
Urine leakage: Due to the strain the pelvic floor bears during pregnancy and delivery, it is common to have some urinary leakage for a short time. The pelvic floor has been under strain and needs time to recover. It is important to exercise your pelvic floor after delivery. Once your pelvic floor has recovered its strength, difficulties with urine leakage can pass. Ask your midwife about difficulties with urinary leakage during following checkups, and they can offer an examination of your pelvic floor functionality.
Verified by Ingela Ågren
Certified Midwife
Hundreds of related articles, podcasts & more waiting for you in the Preggers app.
Download Preggers today.
More from Preggers
Read popular and relevant articles.
Breastfeeding the very first time
Straight after birth, the newborn baby tends to be awake and alert for about two hours, which is when the baby breastfeeds for the first time.
Getting the baby to latch on to the breast
It is important that the baby can latch on to the breast properly as this will reduce the risk of sore nipples, uncomfortable breastfeeding, engorgement, insufficient amounts of milk and slow weight gain in the baby.
The first days of breastfeeding
The breastfeeding pattern differs from child to child. Some babies sleep almost the entire first day after birth, while others want to feed straight away and often. Although your priority is not on yourself, make sure to sleep when the opportunity presents itself, eat well and ensure that you get enough fluids.
Bleeding and discharge after giving birth
After giving birth, it’s normal for the mother to bleed, for up to eight weeks. Most of the bleeding is from where the placenta comes away from the wall of the uterus. This happens to all women, whether the birth was vaginal or by caesarean section.
%202018-09-20T14_36_40-165Z-1623654648312.png?alt=media&token=a90974d6-649d-4fc7-a307-a2291d0df000)