The determinants of residual bladder volume following spontaneous vaginal delivery

Abstract

SummarySummaryResidual bladder volumes in 216 women, following spontaneous vertex delivery, were measured by ultrasound. Of these cases, 39 women had asymptomatic residual bladder volumes exceeding 50 ml on the first or second postpartum day. The factors associated with significant residual bladder volume were evaluated using multiple logistic regression analysis. Maternal age. height, parity, gestation, duration of first stage of labour, fetal macrosomia, and the presence or absence of perineal trauma did not contribute significantly to the logistic model. A longer duration of second stage of labour increased the odds of having residual volume > 50 ml (odds ratio = 2–63; 95 per cent confidence interval = 1-19-5-85; P = 0–017) after adjustment for confounding due to intrapartum epidural analgesia. The effect of epidural analgesia was not significant (odds ratio = 1–90; 95 per cent confidence interval = 0-90-4-02; P = 0–092). Avoidance of prolonged maternal pushing during the second stage of labour by active management of labour may result in a reduction in the incidence of significant residual bladder volume postnatally.