Is a catheter necessary for c section?

[lana29]

Hi,

I’m currently 24 weeks pregnant, my hopes are that it will be a natural birth but totally get baby and body may decide otherwise. I am Autistic and worrying about a catheter for the C Section or at any stage (even natural) because I have a history of recurrent UTIs and bladder issues (IC) Catheters can introduce new bacteria and just the thought is scaring me as I can’t fight thrush (weak immune) I explained this to consultant and she rolled her eyes! Last time my GP couldn’t get rid of the persistent thrush with tablets so I’m hesitant on antibiotics!
I therefore wondered if there is a way to have c section but no catheter - ie pee beforehand or adult nappy? (Sounds ridiculous but I’d rather that than) I know from looking it online I’ve head some people do the above. But just wanted to check here!

also with c section can they give you antibiotic cream for scar instead of oral ab

if it is necessary I get and my focus will be on having baby healthy but just dreading

Yes you can. Speak with your midwife and explain your concerns z however I really wouldn't worry about it you won't care or notice when your baby is on its way. Good luck

You need a catheter because you're numb afterwards.

I didn't get any antibiotics for scar they're not given as standard just if you need x

I can’t speak to the Caesarian, but I have some bladder issues and needed a catheter during my vaginal birth. Due to my contractions I couldn’t isolate the muscles to wee, so needed a catheter as my bladder was filling and I couldn’t empty it. I was in labour for 30 hours and needed to drink throughout of course, so having peed beforehand wouldn’t have helped. The catheter was actually great in the end as it was one less thing to think about, I was just focusing on my breathing. There were no issues once it came out.

But I did mention my bladder issues (overactive basically) to the midwife during pregnancy and I had a call with a consultant about it. I’d definitely speak to your midwife about your concerns and see if you can talk through when they might be needed and what options there could be.

Didn't get anything for my scar but did get some injections to administer to myself to prevent blood clots

You need a catheter to maintain an empty bladder during surgery which reduces the risk of damage. Useful to leave it in for a few hours afterwards until you've mobilised.
During labour, if it's deemed necessary then it's usually because a full bladder is delaying labour and you are unable to empty it yourself, or because you have an epidural in situ and you are again unable to remote your bladder regularly or effectively.

Catheters are inserted using an "aseptic technique", which means you would be very unlucky to get an urinary infection. The method is used to ensure that no germs or bacteria can be passed into the bladder or urinary tract. If looked after well you should have no problems. Please do not worry, and as others have said talk to your midwife- she is there to make the whole experience as safe and calm as possible.

I am not great with a catheter due to previous multiple losses and failed IVF.

I had two sections, in both cases it was in birth plan to be removed asap. First time I was absolutely terrified, more bothered about it coming out than the section itself. Never felt a thing. Second thing I drank litres on coming out of theatre and it was out within a couple of hours. Again, never felt a thing.

I just made sure they understood how terrified it made me.

Antibiotic cream does not do the same job as antibiotic tablets. Majority of women will not have any antibiotics at all as their C-section wound will heal by itself with no infection.

However if you are unlucky and need antibiotics, it will be tablets and not cream.

I was more terrified of the catheter than the c-section when I had my first baby. Also have history of UTIs and just hated the thought of it.

However, they inserted it after I had the spinal block so I didn’t even know they’d done it, let alone feel it. Couldn’t feel it afterwards and it was completely painless and took a couple of seconds to remove.
Please try not to worry.

Honestly the catheters are great as you don’t even think about needing a wee until it comes out some 6 ish hours afterwards. Or maybe it was even 24 hours. I dunno, my last section was only 5 months ago but it’s such a blur, it was a delight not to have to do loo trips post section 😄

You can’t I’m afraid. The catheter is necessary to ensure the bladder is empty as it is next to the uterus and could be damaged at section if full.

Also with a section you wouldn’t be able to feel the need to empty your bladder until the anaesthetic had worn off, or be able to mobilise for 6-12hr to get to the toilet, so your bladder could become overfull and damaged.

Sometimes a catheter is also recommended in vaginal birth if it’s assisted (forceps or ventouse) or if you have an epidural.

I would suggest you discuss your anxieties with your midwife - usually there will be a birth discussion a bit later on in your pregnancy too.

How long its needed will depend on why you need a c-section (if you need one at all), I had to have a catheter in for 48 hours after mine. I also suffer from frequent UTIs and kidney infections and I was a bit worried about it, but it was needed and I didn't end up with a UTI from the catheter (I did get an unrelated one 2 months after birth though 😣) but there are very good medical reasons for having one in during the surgery. C-section is major surgery even though a lot of people don't think of it as such and hopefully you won't need one at all.

It's also perfectly acceptable to have one at maternal request

Yes I had one both times but didn't cause any issues.

I can understand your reluctance if you have a diagnosis of IC as this can actually be an embedded infection so catherisation may not cause a new infection but may cause a flare of your embedded infection. I would look at cuti website and do research on embedded infection. Pain from an embedded infection is horrible and the fear of a flare is real. If you join the Facebook group embeddes/chronic uti support group there will be other pregnant women or women who have been pregnant with this condition who will probably be able to give you advice.