The effect of obstetric forceps delivery on postpartum bladder function

Abstract

SummaryThe effect of forceps delivery on residual bladder volume after delivery was investigated by real-time ultrasonography. Twenty-six women with Haig-Ferguson forceps deliveries were compared with 52 controls with normal deliveries, all with epidural analgesia. Twenty-five women with Kielland's forceps deliveries were compared with 50 controls. Twenty-one women with Haig-Ferguson forceps deliveries using pudendal block were compared with 22 women with epidural analgesia and the same mode of delivery. Haig-Ferguson forceps delivery and epidural analgesia were not found to be associated with associated with larger residual bladder volumes when compared with controls. Kielland's forceps delivery was associated with a higher residual bladder volume than in controls, even after adjustment for the effect of the duration of maternal pushing in the second stage of labour. Of 43 women with residual bladder volumes < 50 ml, no long-term bladder dysfunction was noted and only three women had urinary tract infect...