Intrapartum and postpartum bladder management

During labour and in the postpartum period the urinary bladder is usually at risk for possible injuries and dysfunction. In the postpartum, the bladder has a tendency of being underactive, therefore is vulnerable to retention. Also, the bladder sensation may be affected and most women are not aware of a fully distended bladder and the voiding necessity. A prolonged over distension can permanently affect the detrusor muscle causing severe or permanent dysfunction such as: acute urinary retention, incontinence, recurrent urinary tract infections. Any woman can develop postpartum voiding dysfunction regardless of mode of delivery and some patients may have permanent complications later in life. We present our experience with a number of cases who developed bladder dysfunction in the postpartum.