Postpartum urinary symptoms.

There are clear contributing factors during the antenatal and intrapartum period which increase the likelihood of women experiencing postpartum bladder dysfunction. Whilst, anecdotally, stress incontinence is often talked about and accepted by many women to be part of the post childbirth experience, postpartum bladder retention is not. Understanding both the risk factors and the potential short- and long term impact of bladder dysfunction are important elements in postnatal care. This understanding should guide appropriate management and early detection in the postnatal period, considered vital in avoiding long term sequelae.