What to Do About Early Difficulty Urinating After Vaginal Delivery
Early difficulty urinating after vaginal delivery refers to the inability of the mother to urinate within a few hours after childbirth, which is very common and often due to the effects of the delivery process on the bladder and urethra. Timely urination can prevent complications like urinary retention and aid in recovery. As new parents, you have already overcome the challenge of childbirth; please maintain a positive attitude, as this issue can often be alleviated with simple measures. According to the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) 2021 guidelines, paying timely attention to urination postpartum is an important step.
Possible Causes
- Compression or minor injury to the bladder and urethra during delivery, leading to temporary functional weakening.
- Anesthetic drugs (such as epidural) may affect bladder sensation and contraction ability.
- Psychological factors, such as tension or pain suppressing the urination reflex.
Home Care Suggestions
- Encourage the mother to drink plenty of water (preferably warm water) to promote urine production; it is generally recommended to drink small amounts hourly.
- Try relaxing positions for urination: sitting or using warm water to rinse the perineum, in a private environment.
- Listen to the sound of running water or take a warm sitz bath to stimulate the urination reflex; attempt for 5-10 minutes each time.
- Start attempting to urinate within 6 hours after delivery; according to WHO postpartum care recommendations, remain patient.
When to Seek Medical Attention
- ⚠️ If unable to urinate at all within 6-8 hours postpartum, seek medical attention immediately.
- ⚠️ If severe abdominal pain, fever, or blood in urine occurs, seek medical attention immediately.
- ⚠️ If pain worsens during urination or the feeling of incomplete emptying persists or worsens, seek medical attention immediately.
Conclusion
Difficulty urinating after vaginal delivery is usually temporary and can be improved with home care. Remember, you are brave new parents; it is important to stay calm and confident when facing challenges. Pay attention to body signals in a timely manner and seek professional help when needed—you are doing great!
The information provided in this article is for reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment advice; if the child has any health issues or the danger signs mentioned in the article appear, consult qualified medical personnel immediately.