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Obstetrics

Emptying Your Bladder After the Birth of Your Baby

A nurse in black scrubs gently swaddles a newborn on a bed as the mother, relaxed and smiling, observes in a bright, welcoming room.

After the birth of your baby, you may have difficulty emptying your bladder or have changes to the normal urge to pass urine. If the bladder is not emptying properly then the urine that is left behind can build up over time, this is known as Urinary Retention.

The birth of a baby can put pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor. This can cause swelling, bruising and/or pain in the pelvic area, particularly around the urethra (urine tube). This may make it difficult to pass urine and may lead to urinary retention.

Urinary retention can cause over stretching and damage to the bladder.

What Urinary Retention Might Feel Like
  • Bladder pain or discomfort
  • No sensation or urge to empty the bladder
  • Difficulty passing urine
  • A sense of not fully emptying
  • A slow or a start/stop stream of urine
  • A need to strain to pass urine
  • Leakage from an overly full bladder
How to Keep Your Bladder Healthy

New mothers need to be drinking 1.5–2 litres of fluid each day. Your drinks should be spread out over the day, so you don’t suddenly overload or overfill the bladder. Not drinking enough fluid can irritate the bladder and make symptoms worse.

Avoid tea, coffee and cola soft drinks as the caffeine in them can irritate your bladder and can also worsen your symptoms.

To prevent your bladder overfilling go to the toilet every two to three hours. Do not strain when you empty your bladder and bowels.

The best position to sit on the toilet is:

  • Sit leaning forward with your feet flat
  • Legs wide apart with your elbows on your thighs
  • Let your tummy bulge out and relax
  • Always sit on the toilet seat. Do not hover above it
  • Stay relaxed on the toilet; relax your breathing
  • Allow yourself time, do not rush
  • If you feel your bladder has not completely emptied, rock your pelvis backwards and forwards on the toilet seat and try again or stand up, rock your pelvis backwards and forwards then sit down and try again
Hints to Help Empty Your Bladder
  • Press gently above your pubic bone over your bladder
  • Urinate in a warm shower
  • Run water in the background
  • Place your hand in cold water as you empty your bladder
  • Ask your midwife or doctor for pain medication if pain is stopping you from emptying your bladder
  • Exercise your pelvic floor muscles

Your pelvic floor muscles are important for healthy bladder function. Be sure to do your pelvic floor exercises every day and ensure you can feel your pelvic floor muscles and relax after each exercise. 

Related Services

Obstetrics

Disclaimer: This fact sheet provides general information only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For specific advice regarding your health or medical concerns, please consult your healthcare provider. Burnside Hospital does not accept any responsibility for any loss or damage arising from reliance on the information provided. In case of urgent medical needs, please contact your nearest emergency department.

Created: August 2025

Burnside Hospital acknowledges the Kaurna people as the Traditional Owners of the land and waters on which we live and care for our community.
We recognise their Native Title Rights to Country, and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

Visit burnsidehospital.asn.au for more information