can't pee in labor

[mama7x]

Any advice out there about not being able to pee during labor?

I'm hoping to homebirth this time- which might decrease the chance of a REALLY overful bladder from IV fluids, (had 2 liters in my bladder after one birth when they finally agreed to catheterize me because I just couldn't pee...)

Herbs, tinctures, positioning?

I have a really retrograde uterus- a lot of back labor- is that making a difference?
Thanks!

[Boobiemama]

I havent ever had this problem, but 2 things I remember reading somewhere-

Peppermint esential oil, a drop or 2 in the toile water is supposed to help you go.
Or peeing in the tub/shower

Hope you dont have this problem again, sounds awful!

[CarrieMF]

With my first and third I didn't really pee during labour. I did more with my third, but with my first I did when I first go to the hospital, then once after my water broke. Then I didn't pee again until she was about 5 hours old, so twice in 11 hours and I had an IV with full fluids the whole time. With my third I peed alot before going into labour to try and get labour going(my water had broke). I peed once after the pitocin was started. I was kept in bed on my side due to decelerations/continuous monitoring. They put a catheter in right before she was born(1 1/2hours after I had last peed) because they were going to take me down for a c-section.

With my 2nd that's all I did and I never had an iv. I was literally peeing every 5-10minutes and the toilet was the most comfortable place to labour.

[Lisashepp]

I was cath'd in the hospital because I couldn't pee and was loaded with IV fluids. Just once though, it wasn't left in.

I think I will avoid it this time because I will be homebirthing and not having a ton of fluids pumped into me! I also have the option of water labor/birth and a shower so even if I can't pee in the toilet the water may help

[lauren]

Along the same lines as the peppermint oil, my midwives had me use Dr. Bronner's peppermint soap in the shower, and it worked to get me to pee.

[mama7x]

Thanks- going to get some peppermint oil today before I forget! I'm hopeful that just being at home this time will make all the difference...

[georgia]

hmmm, i know that *after* labor, when i've had a hard time peeing, a squirt bottle of warm water (with the water running in the sink) usually helped. i wonder if leaning forward might help? it helped me when i was pregnant.....not that i couldn't go, but to completely empty my bladder. have you asked your mw? i'm curious as to what mws have to say about this issue??

i'm quite sure that being w/o IV fluids will help tremendously though! i was shocked after my first birth how incredibly swollen i was with all that excess IV fluid.....i didn't even recognize my own ankles.

best wishes with your HB!!!