Peeing, bowel movements and hemorrhoids
Peeing and the first bowel movement can feel daunting after birth. Hemorrhoids are common. Staff often check that you can pass urine.
Most important
Tell your nurse if you cannot pee
If you cannot pass urine, or feel you cannot empty your bladder, tell your nurse.
What may happen
- Stinging when you pee, especially with stitches.
- Being offered a stool softener (your team decides if it is right for you).
- Swollen, sore hemorrhoids.
Why
A bladder that does not empty properly may need treatment. Constipation and straining can add discomfort.
What varies
Medicines offered and how bladder emptying is checked differ by hospital.
Questions to ask
- Do I need to show that I can pee before going home?
- What can help with constipation or hemorrhoids?
- Is it safe to take a stool softener with my other medicines?
Prototype draft. Not yet clinically reviewed. Your own care team's instructions come first. About this app
Sources
Summaries are drafted from these public sources. No hospital has endorsed this app.
Henry Ford Health · Detroit-area system
Postpartum Care for Mother and Newborn after Delivery(opens in a new tab)- Published
- Date not stated
- Checked
- 2026-10-24
- Access
- Page read in full
Applies to: Published by one health system. Procedures at your hospital may differ.
Limitations: Editorial review required: includes generalized weight-loss targets, tight-bra and blow-dryer advice; do not reproduce those.
University of Michigan Health · Ann Arbor educational handout
Postpartum Urinary Retention(opens in a new tab)- Published
- Date not stated
- Checked
- 2026-10-24
- Access
- Only a short excerpt was reviewed
Applies to: Published by one health system. Procedures at your hospital may differ.
Limitations: Only indexed excerpt reviewed; obtain full current handout before writing catheter instructions.