Effects of urinary retention during pregnancy and how to manage

The article was written by Doctor Le Thu Huong - Resident Doctor - Rehabilitation, Regenerative Medicine Center - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital

Urinary tract infections: urine that remains in the bladder for a long time or is not completely expelled will be a favorable environment for bacteria to grow, leading to cystitis, or inflammation of the kidneys, pyelonephritis, pyelonephritis. , even causing bacteremia due to bacteria from the urinary tract into the blood Kidney failure: The kidneys are the organs that produce urine and filter out products that are not good, toxic to the body, out through the urine. When urinary retention, these toxic products can not be excreted, causing kidney failure, and toxic to the body Bladder rupture: due to untreated urinary retention, or mishandled such as using bladder compressions. bladder to urinate, causing a perforated or ruptured bladder. This condition is rare because the health system and public awareness are getting better and better, but if it happens, it will lead to very complicated medical problems, even life-threatening. of mother and baby

Other problems with the urinary system: urinary stones such as kidney stones, ureteral stones, bladder stones may occur, hematuria, bladder rupture.
Miscarriage, premature delivery: urinary retention can cause miscarriage, premature birth as a result of urinary retention such as urinary tract infection, kidney failure, bladder rupture or due to its cause such as uterine prolapse. Worldwide, the rate of urinary retention in the group with miscarriage and premature delivery was higher than in other groups, and miscarriage and premature delivery were also higher in the group with urinary retention compared with the group without urinary retention.

2.1. Catheterization In most cases, urinary retention during pregnancy will be short-lived, especially during the 9-16th week of pregnancy, so catheterization is the preferred type of catheterization. first choice.
However, in some patients, especially in cases of chronic urinary retention, or due to unresolved causes in pregnancy, catheterization may take longer, and catheterization may be interrupted. Clean is the best choice.
Note: During this period, the patient needs to drink a lot of water, and maintain a diet and drink rich in vitamin C to prevent urinary tract infections.

2.2. Exercises to control the bladder and pelvis Bladder control exercises and pelvic floor exercises work to improve the functioning of the nervous system, strengthen muscles, and coordinate activities between muscle groups and the system. nervous system, better muscle relaxation, which in turn can help better control urinary retention. Especially in cases of mild prolapse, vigorous pelvic floor muscle exercises are significant for reducing the degree of prolapse and are effective for treating urinary retention.
2.3. Medications There are a number of medications that can help with urinary retention.
On the other hand, some drugs such as anticholinergic drugs (such as antipsychotics, antidepressants, some drugs for respiratory diseases), opioids, anesthetics, alpha-adenoceptor agonists, NSAIDs, benzodiazepines , muscle relaxants and calcium channel antagonists... when used can cause urinary retention and may have to stop or change drugs.

2.4. Surgical intervention In cases of genital prolapse, if medical and exercise measures do not control the condition, the patient may need surgical intervention to treat the cause of urinary retention and avoid other complications. Complications of genital prolapse such as miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight... such as cervical lifting or other measures.
Vinmec International General Hospital offers a Package Maternity Care Program for pregnant women right from the first months of pregnancy with a full range of antenatal care visits, periodical 3D and 4D ultrasounds and routine tests to ensure that the mother is healthy and the fetus is developing comprehensively.
Pregnant women will be consulted and checked for health under the close supervision of experienced and specialized Obstetricians, helping mothers have more knowledge to protect their health during pregnancy as well as reduce reduce complications for mother and child.