Urinary retention in the post‐partum period: The relationship between obstetric factors and the post‐partum post‐void residual bladder volume

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Abstract
Objective. The three objectives of this study are: to investigate the incidence of post‐partum urinary retention after vaginal delivery, to investigate the relationship between various obstetric parameters and the post‐partum post‐void residual bladder volume and to study the natural progression of the post‐void residual bladder volume in patients with covert post‐partum urinary retention.Methods. Women who had a vaginal delivery (n = 691) in a teaching hospital during a 2‐month period were studied. They were classified into three groups: normal patients, those with overt urinary retention, and covert urinary retention. Their day 1 post‐partum post‐void residual bladder volume were recorded and analyzed with respect to the obstetric parameters. Patients with covert retention were followed up daily with ultrasound to monitor their post‐void residual volume.Results. The incidences of overt and covert retention in our unit were 4.9% and 9.7%, respectively. The overall incidence of post‐partum urinary retention after vaginal delivery was 14.6%. The duration of the first and second stages of labor were significantly associated with the post‐partum post‐void residual bladder volume. In all patients with covert retention, their post‐void residual volume returned to normal within 4 days.Conclusion. Post‐partum urinary retention is a common phenomenon that may be related to the process of parturition. Covert retention is a self‐limiting phenomenon and specific treatment is unnecessary.