How long does it take for normal urination to return after delivery?

Your bladder functions return within 24 to 48 hours after delivery or catheter removal. You can consult your doctor if you still face a problem.

Can urinary retention happen after a C-section, too?

A catheter is used during the surgery, so your bladder may take time to resume its normal function after its removal.

Is there anything I can do to prevent urinary problems after birth?

You can take steps to reduce the risk of bladder problems. Some of them include drinking enough water, doing pelvic exercises after recovery and not ignoring the urge to urinate.

Difficulty Passing Urine After Delivery: Causes and Recovery

You may experience a wide range of emotions after childbirth, which can include relief, joy and also exhaustion. When you think you are done with the unexpected changes, new problems may appear, like struggling to empty your bladder. You may feel the urge to pass urine, but may not be able to do it easily or at all. This condition, also known as postpartum urinary retention, is quite common. There can be various reasons for it, which you can understand and prepare yourself after delivery.

What Does “Difficulty Passing Urine” Mean After Delivery?

You may find it difficult to urinate after delivery, even with a full bladder, which is medically called postpartum urinary retention (PUR). There are two main types of PUR.

If you cannot pass urine even though your bladder feels full and uncomfortable, it is overt retention.
If you pass some urine but your bladder does not empty, it is covert retention.

PUR is temporary and resolves within a day or two, but some may require medical attention to prevent bladder problems.

Why Does This Happen After Childbirth?

Several factors can affect your bladder control after childbirth.

Pressure and Trauma During Labour

Your baby’s head puts pressure on the bladder and urethra (the tube that carries urine out) during a vaginal delivery. It can temporarily stretch or bruise the surrounding nerves, so your bladder may not function properly after delivery.

Effects of Epidural or Spinal Anaesthesia

You can regain control of your bladder after a while if you received spinal anaesthesia or an epidural during labour. The nerves of your bladder remain numb from these medicines, so you may not feel the urge to urinate even when your bladder is full.

Perineal Swelling and Pain

Any injury or swelling in your perineal area (the area between the vagina and anus) can cause discomfort after delivery. So, you may unknowingly hold off your urine.

C-Section Recovery and Catheter Use

A catheter is inserted to drain the bladder during surgery when you deliver via C-section. Give your bladder some time to resume its function after the removal.

Hormonal Changes

Oxytocin and progesterone fluctuate after delivery, which can affect muscle tone and bladder sensitivity. This may temporarily interfere with your ability to empty your bladder.

How Common Is It?

Research shows that 3 to 14% of cases experience urinary retention after a vaginal delivery. It is more common under the following circumstances:

You had a long or difficult labour
You received an epidural anaesthesia
You had an episiotomy or perineal tear
You delivered a large baby (over 3.5 kg)
You experienced heavy bleeding or swelling after birth

What Are the Warning Signs You Should Watch For?

You may not notice the problem right away when your focus is more on your baby, but here are some signs to look out for:

You have not passed urine within 6–8 hours after delivery or catheter removal
You feel pressure in your lower abdomen
You pass only small amounts of urine despite a strong urge
You experience pain, burning, or a dribbling sensation after urination
You feel pain near the bladder

Discuss these signs with your doctor immediately to avoid the risk of long-term problems.

Can It Lead to Any Complications?

Some cases resolve on their own, but do not take urinary retention lightly.

Bladder distension: Overstretching can weaken the bladder muscles
Urinary tract infection (UTI): Due to urine left in the bladder
Long-term bladder dysfunction: Although a rare scenario, it is possible without treatment

When Should You See a Doctor?

Seek medical help in case of the situation listed below:

You have not urinated within 8 hours after delivery or catheter removal
You experience severe lower abdominal pain or swelling
There is blood in the urine
Your vaginal discharge has a bad odour

Emotional and Social Impact

You may feel worried about not being able to urinate properly, which was like a simple task before giving birth. You may feel embarrassed to talk about these issues with anyone. Urinary retention is not your fault; it is a common problem after delivery.

Talk to your doctor, family, or partner about your feelings. Emotional support is a key part of healing, so try to relax for faster recovery.

What To Do Next: A Quick Checklist

Try to pass urine within 6 hours of delivery or catheter removal
Stay hydrated and move around to stimulate bladder activity
Inform your doctor if you face difficulty
Do not strain or delay asking for help
Follow your doctor’s advice about pelvic floor recovery

You may struggle to pass urine after delivery, which can add to the discomfort. Your body went through some incredible changes, so it is only natural to take time to regain its balance.

You can recover faster when you recognise the signs and know when to reach out for medical help. Remember, taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your baby.

Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.

FAQs on Why Some Women Have Difficulty Passing Urine After Delivery?

How long does it take for normal urination to return after delivery?
Your bladder functions return within 24 to 48 hours after delivery or catheter removal. You can consult your doctor if you still face a problem.
Can urinary retention happen after a C-section, too?
A catheter is used during the surgery, so your bladder may take time to resume its normal function after its removal.
Is there anything I can do to prevent urinary problems after birth?
You can take steps to reduce the risk of bladder problems. Some of them include drinking enough water, doing pelvic exercises after recovery and not ignoring the urge to urinate.