How will I know if my bladder is too full?
The bladder is a hollow muscular organ, capable of increasing and decreasing in size, similar to a balloon. In labour if the bladder becomes very full it can distend out of the pelvis and be seen as a bulge above the pubic line in your lower
abdomen. This bulge will become evident if you have been unable to or you are having difficulty emptying the bladder completely of urine during the labour. Your caregiver should be able to assess if you have what is called a 'palpable bladder'.
Some women experience constant pain and / or tenderness around the lower belly in between the contractions. This may be hard to identify in labour but be a noticeable relief once the bladder is emptied.
What your caregiver may do
Your caregiver will encourage you to try and empty your bladder by:
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Sitting you on the toilet (or a bedpan if you have an epidural in place) and turning the tap on, hopefully the sound of running water will stimulate the flow of urine. Some women visualise a waterfall. |
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Suggesting you get into the shower or bath (if there is one available). This can relax and warm the area making it easier to pass urine. |
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Tickling the woman's lower back. This technique is used by some midwives who have found that it can work! |
NOTE: It is important to keep drinking fluids as becoming dehydrated may cause your labour to slow or stop due to
ketosis.