Trouble emptying the bladder after birth
Some people have trouble emptying the bladder after birth. Tell your nurse if you cannot pee or feel you are not emptying fully. A catheter is sometimes used.
Most important
Tell your nurse
If you cannot pee, tell your nurse or care team promptly.
Research outline. Research draft only. We reviewed just an excerpt of the source handout, so we have not written catheter or home-care instructions.
Questions to ask
- Why do I need a catheter?
- What should I do if I cannot empty my bladder at home?
Research outline. 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.
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.
University of Michigan Health · Ann Arbor / regional specialty care
Healthy Healing After Delivery Program(opens in a new tab)- Published
- Date not stated
- Checked
- 2026-10-24
- Access
- Read from a search index copy
Applies to: Published by one health system. Procedures at your hospital may differ.
Limitations: Program says available regardless of delivery hospital; verify current scheduling and coverage.