BRAVO study: Bladderscan validation study for asymptomatic postpartum urinary retention

Asymptomatic postpartum urinary retention, i.e. the inability to adequately
empty the bladder after delivery, is a frequent condition. At this moment, the
measurement of post void residual volume (PVRV) is not part of standard
postpartum care.
The Bladderscan is a frequently used apparatus to measure the PVRV; small
studies show it's reliability in the puerperium. Howeverd, these studies are
very small and are underpowered.
This study will measure the reliabilty of the Bladderscan in the postpartum
period; when the Bladderscan shows adequate reliabilty, it can become part of
standard postpartum care.

The reliability of the Bladderscan in the postpartum period and the prevalence
of asymptomatic postpartum urinary retention.

An observational prospective study in an unselected cohort.

After vaginal delivery and spontaneous micturition, the PVRV will be measured
by Bladderscan and checked by catheterisation.
Bladderscanning is a short and non-invasive practice; although catheterisation
is a invasive procedure, it is common practice on the delivery rooms and will
create minimal burden for the patients. In addition, catheterisation will
garantee complete emptying of the bladder.