'Have you had a wee yet?' Postpartum urinary retention.

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Urology
• Women's Health

Background:

• Pregnancy-induced physiological bladder changes can lead to postpartum urinary retention (PUR).
• PUR is defined as the inability to urinate spontaneously within six hours postpartum or after catheter removal.
• The incidence of PUR after vaginal birth ranges from 1.7% to 17.9%.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the incidence, risk factors, and management of postpartum urinary retention.
• To highlight the potential complications of unrecognised or mismanaged PUR.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on postpartum urinary retention.
• Analysis of reported incidence rates and associated risk factors.

Main Results:

• Instrument-assisted birth and regional analgesia are significant risk factors for PUR.
• Other contributing factors include primiparity, prolonged labor stages, perineal damage, and oxytocin use.
• Lack of standardized treatment guidelines is a major challenge in managing PUR.

Conclusions:

• Postpartum urinary retention is a common complication with identifiable risk factors.
• Prompt recognition and appropriate management are crucial to prevent serious long-term complications.
• Midwives play a vital role in assessing and managing PUR through careful questioning and examination.