If you have an epidural done, do they have to give you a catheter?

Answer 1

At our hospital they usually just straight cath you before and after delivery to empty the bladder. Meaning put the tube in the urethra, empty the urine, pull it right back out. A foley catheter is the same - put in the urethra, urine drains into a bag but the the nurse will put 10mL of saline water into the tube which blows up a little balloon the size of a nickel in your bladder. That way, if the tube gets yanked, it still stays in the bladder and constantly drains the urine into the bag. This is the kind of catheter you will have for awhile after a c-section or other major surgery.

So yes, if you get an epidural and you're very numb during the pushing stage, it is almost always necessary to cath you at least once afterwards since you can't feel anything so can't urinate. If they let it wear off for pushing, maybe not. A lot of women will swear up and down they weren't straight cathed but they don't even know it happened since they were dead numb and busy doing other things (like pushing, holding their baby, etc).

Answer 2

It depends on the type of epidural and how long you have it. If you are able to urinate voluntarily, you may not need a catheter, but if you have no sensation or control, a catheter will be needed. You make an enormous amount of urine shortly after delivering and the bladder could be dangerously overdistended.

The question is why you want to automatically decide on an epidural and increase your risk of c-section so much. Childbirth isn't comfortable, but it doesn't have to be the agony some seem to want you to believe with good training, a positive attitude, and a bit of luck. If you really need an anesthetic, it's fine, but too many women have them solely because of fear.

To know how likely you are to need a Foley catheter, speak to your doctor aboutn what is normal in her or his practice and ask to talk to anesthesia at your hospital in advance of being admitted to discuss your special concerns. Don't ever be afraid to ask questions!

Answer 3

It completely depends on the hospital and the dr and the patient. i did not have a catheter with my daughter. I had an epidural and i could not feel my right leg at all. I could not even move it. When things finally started wearing off i felt the urge to pee and could not and the nurse strait cathed me to give me some relief. Although i felt the urge to pee i was still not able to push it out because i was still quite numb. My best friend just had her baby in July and she did receive a cath with her epidural at the same hospital. She was not nearly as numb as i was from hers. but she did have a different anesthesiologist. So i think it really depends on your doctor and what they like to do. Hope that helps!

Answer 4

It's not a big deal - with everything else going on. Most hospitals give you one with or without an epidural.

When you're in labor, the last thing you'll be thinking about is peeing. And, with the IV fluids - you'll have to pee a lot. In the beginning stages of labor, you can still walk around and all that. But, when it's crunch time - you won't be able to get out of bed or do anything but give birth to the baby.

Answer 5

I have had 2 epidurals, but they only used a catheter on my during one (birth).

Answer 6

Yes. My suggestion, which is exactly what I did, is to request that they insert the catheter after the administer the epidural. They were more than happy to fulfill my request and even said that they should do that as a routine procedure.

Answer 7

I have had 3 epidurals and plan on having another one if time is alotted for it and not once was I catheterized.

Answer 8

I HAD AN EPIDURAL, BUT I ONLY HAD TO HAVE A CATHETER AFTER I HAD MY DAUGHTER B/C I COULDNT GO, NOT B/C I COULDNT FEEL IT.

Answer 9

my daughters both had epidurals and no catheter

Answer 10

Yes