How is a catheter inserted?
Problems with catheters
If the previous methods fail then your caregiver will need to insert a catheter to empty the bladder.
The catheter may be a small short (20cm) plastic tube inserted into the bladder until it is emptied and then removed. This is known as an 'in and out' catheter. This procedure may need to be repeated if the problem continues and the labour continues for quite a few hours longer.
The alternative is using a more longer term Foley's catheter, removed once you reach the pushing phase or after the baby is born. This is a longer (40cm) rubber tube with small balloon on the end that sits in the bladder that is inflated with water once it is in place, to stop it from falling out of the bladder. Once in place about 20 to 30 cms of the catheter is visible. The end of the catheter is attached to a length of plastic tubing with a soft plastic bag capable of filling with up to 1 to 2 litres of urine, which can be emptied as needed. This is also known as an 'indwelling catheter'.
Whether you have an in and out catheter or an indwelling catheter will depend on your caregiver's preferences or the hospital policy. The indwelling catheter is a 'set and forget' solution but may be inhibiting if you are trying to have an active birth. The in and out catheter may need to be repeated, increasing your chances of developing a urine infection after the birth. (Catheters can also be inserted in birth centres or by the caregiver for a home birth, they will tend to use the 'in and out' type).
How is a catheter inserted?
To have the catheter inserted you would need to lie on your back. You will need to stay there for at least 2 or 3 contractions. If you have an epidural in place this will not be an issue, but may be difficult if you are in strong labour with no pain relief.