Postpartum voiding dysfunction

• The postpartum bladder is vulnerable to urinary retention; if undetected, this can lead to bladder underactivity, recurrent urinary tract infection and incontinence. • The aim of intrapartum bladder care is to prevent bladder overdistension. • Following delivery or catheter removal, no woman should be allowed to go longer than 6 hours without voiding. • All units should have a guideline for bladder care and the management of postpartum voiding dysfunction. Learning objectives: • To be aware of the risk factors for the development of postpartum voiding dysfunction and the symptoms indicating voiding problems. • To learn about the management of postpartum voiding dysfunction. Ethical issues: • Is it acceptable to catheterise a woman to estimate the volume of residual urine when this can be estimated by ultrasound scanning of the bladder? Please cite this article as: Kearney R, Cutner A. Postpartum voiding dysfunction. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2008;10:71–74.