Definition: A catheter is a hollow tube that is inserted into the bladder through the urethra to remove urine from your bladder. It can be left in place for hours or days to alleviate your need to go to the bathroom or to use a bed pan if you are restricted to bed or are numb and can't feel the need to urinate. In labor and delivery this is used when you receive medications like epidural anesthesia or have a cesarean section. It can also be used temporarily, this technique is called an in/out catheter.
The catheter will be removed several hours postpartum or the next day if all is going well.
Also Known As: cath, Foley catheter
