Tilted uterus and pregnancy?

[CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN]

What do you know about it? I've been looking for some information on what to do for it but have been at a loss. I'm 15 (2 prior births) weeks right now and this is really a problem for me as far as having urinary retention. (It was so bad I had to st cath my self twice....sorry if TMI). My ob said it will get better as the uterus grows and told me to kneel on my hands and knees.... didn't work, but did try standing on my head (It helped!) I'm limiting my fluids, but feel so dry and going to void every 1 1/2 hr at night. Any other nursing sugestions or references?

[acuteobrn]

Congratulations Michelle!!!!

I don't really have any nursing tips on this subject. But what I do know is that I would be careful about limiting fluids as dehydration can lead to preterm contractions and that you are at a higher risk for UTIs which would again put you at risk for preterm contractions. I would seriously consider a second opinion and asking for a UA C&S now. It could be that you already have a UTI and thereby leading to the s/s of retention and frequency, on top of the flexed uterus.

As far as the flexed uterus I looked it up in a reference book that I have called Benson and Pernoll's Handbook of Obstetrics and Gynecology (9th ed)

"During early pregnancy, a retroflexed uterus may become incarcerated, often because of adhesions, and lead to actue urinary retention....This has been simply treated by cathetrizing the bladder and using a lady partsl mercury-filled balloon to gently displace the uterus anteriorly." Also suggested is manual replacement and use of a lady partsl pessary (Hodge type). I don't know where these last two come into the game as far as pregnancy is concerened. But I would speak further with your OB about it and possilby ask for a second opinion. Good luck to you!