Urinating After Giving Birth

Your postpartum nurse isn't some weirdo that has a pathological fascination with your urinary system. She just wants to make sure you start urinating again soon after the birth. Failing to empty the bladder regularly can contribute to urinary tract infections and can prevent the uterus from contracting properly (which may increase your risk of experiencing a postpartum hemorrhage). Sometimes anesthetics used during the delivery reduce the urge to urinate, so don't be surprised if your nurse asks you to try to urinate even though you swear you don't need to go. Note: If you had a cesarean, you can expect your catheter to be removed within 24 hours of the delivery.