Let’s Talk About: How Going For A Wee Helps Labour
If you read my previous blog in the Let’s Talk About Series about The Importance of Hydration In Labour then you’ll probably have a better understanding of why keeping your fluid levels topped up during labour is so important.
But, it is equally as important to remember that what goes in must come out - therefore remembering to empty your bladder frequently and fully is crucial.
Sounds obvious right?
Not necessarily.
It is actually extremely common for women and birthing people to forget to go to the loo during labour.
The sensations that you feel in labour can often mask the sensation of needing a wee. That, and the fact that your mind is quite understandably elsewhere - the very small task of giving life to an actual human!
When in labour you should be aiming to have a wee at least every 2 - 3 hours. This is to protect the health of your bladder but also to help the birthing process along.
Here are some of the reasons weeing frequently in labour can help:
During pregnancy, your bladder has lost some of it’s muscle tone (it happens to the best of us) which can actually increase the amount of urine your bladder can hold. This can lead to your bladder becoming more full and stretching which could lead to other problems postnatally.
A full bladder can prevent your uterus from contracting efficiently. This could lead to a longer, more drawn out first stage of labour.
If labour slows or stalls, it could be because your bladder is too full. Remember that your bladder is sitting inside the pelvis along with your baby’s head (or bottom). If your bladder is full it creates less space for baby to get through. Going for a wee could be all that is needed to get things back on track.
As I said above, a full bladder restricts the amount of space in the pelvis, which your baby needs to pass through to make their debut. This will most likely to make it less comfortable for you and your bub too.
It is likely that your midwife, obstetrician or care giver will be keeping an eye on your urine output during labour and you may be asked to wee into a pot so that they can record your urine output.
Otherwise, this is another thing you can put your birth partner in charge of - if they see you drinking water during labour, get them to give you a nudge to go potty once in a while.
Important
Emptying your bladder is especially important if you are having an epidural because it can interfere with normal bladder function. If you choose to have an epidural, you will most likely be fitted with a catheter which will take care of this for you. Sorted.
If you are experiencing problems passing urine during labour or post birth - tell your health care professional immediately just to check all is a-ok.
So my top tip for today: If in doubt, try and squeeze one out!