Mobilisation
The importance of mobilisation during labour was
explored by Weiniger et al (2009). The post-void
residual volume during this trial was measured by
trans-abdominal ultrasound and was found to be
higher among the labouring women who received
epidural analgesia than those who received no or
alternative analgesia. Fewer of the women who
managed to walk to the toilet required urinary
bladder catheterisation during the labour than
women who used the bedpan. However, low-risk
women who were randomised to walk to the
bathroom with epidural analgesia and were able to
do so during labour had a significantly reduced postvoid
residual volume, and a reduced requirement for
urinary catheterisation (Weiniger et al, 2009).
The findings of this study challenge the
misconception that an epidural and the use of a
urinary catheter go hand-in-hand and supports
practitioners to offer a less invasive procedure while
still obtaining clinically viable information. However,
it was also clear from both the findings of this study
and from clinical practice that the more dense the
epidural block, the greater effect on the ability to void
urine. The significance of reduced mobility in labour
is echoed by Millet et al (2012: 316)