What to Expect After a Caesarean.
Urinating after a caesarean
When your urinary catheter is removed, on day two
or sooner, you may be asked to measure the amount of urine you pass
on that first day without it. You may be supplied with a special
measuring container in which you urinate, so don't forget to hold
on to your urine until the midwife has noted the amount.
If you are having difficulties urinating, then you
might like to try some ways of triggering the urge (eg, turning
on a tap, hopping in a warm shower, pouring an amount of warm water
over that area, etc) because if the difficulties persist, then the
catheter may need to be reinserted.
It should be noted that some of the drugs given to
you, during the surgery or for pain relief afterwards, may affect
your bladder function. It would be worthwhile investigating this
as a possible cause of any problems you encounter regaining normal
bladder function.
Some women may experience physical trauma related
to the urinary catheter. So if you experience any burning pain upon
urinating, especially if this persists, you need to let your doctor/midwife
known of this problem.
To help prevent any bladder problems try to urinate
at least every couple of hours during the first day, or so. By doing
this, you will also avoid the pain created by a full bladder putting
pressure on your caesarean wounds.
If you experience incontinence (leaking urine), which
may have begun during pregnancy as a result of your growing pregnant
belly continually applying pressure against your bladder and/or
the normal relaxing hormonal effects of pregnancy itself, then you
should seek advice from the midwife, or physiotherapist, about exercises
that you can perform to increase your ability to maintain bladder
control (pelvic floor exercises, etc)8. *Note -> Pelvic floor exercises
are a good idea for all women to perform. We can all experience
some weakness of our pelvic floors, and resulting incontinence,
even if we haven't actually experienced pregnancy or childbirth.
One other problem, sometimes experienced, is a lack
of sensation telling you that your bladder is full and you need
to urinate. This is also something that needs to be brought to the
attention of your doctor/midwife.
Bowel movements after a caesarean.
Within the first couple of days of your caesarean,
you should feel the need to move your bowels. This can be a scary
experience in itself, as you will feel unsure as to how much pushing
your wound can withstand. It can be reassuring to apply gentle pressure,
with the palm of your hand, over the wound area while you gently
attempt to allow a bowel motion to occur.
It's important to try to avoid constipation, as the
added pain and discomfort, plus the difficulty that may then be
experienced in passing a motion, may be distressing to the Mother.
Drink lots of water, eat a good fibre-rich diet and limit Narcotic
use. If you continue to have problems with constipation, then your
midwife will be able to assist you by suggesting medications that
will help soften your stools.
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