After delivery, you may have some difficulty emptying your bladder and may feel a burning sensation when you urinate. This burning is due to vaginal sensitivity and will pass. Some women may have a harder time sensing when they need to urinate because the bladder has been slightly numbed from bruising during delivery. Fortunately, normal sensation returns very quickly.

Giving birth to a child affects the whole area surrounding the uterus. Whether or not you deliver vaginally, your urinary tract has been squeezed by your baby for the last few months of your pregnancy. If you have delivered vaginally, your cervix has been completely dilated. This can make you more vulnerable to bacterial infection.

Urinary tract infections
The following are steps you can take to help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs):

• Empty your bladder as soon as you can after giving birth and about every 6 hours afterwards.
  
  
• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
  
  
• Wear cotton underwear and avoid tight pants and leggings.
  
  
• Keep the vaginal area clean; wipe from front to back after bowel movements.

If you do develop a UTI, you will recognize it by the following symptoms:

• Fever
  
  
• Chills
  
  
• Discomfort when urinating
  
  
• Inability to empty the bladder completely
  
  
• Abdominal or back pain
  
  
• Frequent urination in small amounts

Most people don't experience all of these symptoms. Check with your doctor right away if you have more than a few.