If you go natural, I don't see a reason why you would need a cath. Emmylou has it correctly. Because an epidural bascially numbs you down below, you would have no idea when you needed to go.
You shouldn't feel the cath coming out but ask your doctor.
From what I understand from our Prenatal classes, they us a catheter if you get an epidural. They will come in every so often basically to empty your bladder while you are in labor. Does that sound right???? Cause I know they can't keep it in when you start pushing.....?
I was cathed with my first, but this time around, I have asked for no catheterization in my birth plan unless absolutely necessary such as with a c-section.
I was 'cathed' with my both my deliveries b/c I took the epidural. I guess I lucked out b/c when they removed it, I was still numb and couldn't feel it.
I hate catheters! Every time I get one they cut me (4 times Ive had one) and it hurts so bad to pee, it brings me to tears for days after. You would think that they could make that tube better somehow so that wouldnt happen. Anyway, what I was told by the L/D nurses it that they will give you a catheter if you have a c-section, or if you have a vaginal birth with an epidural because with either choice you can't feel below the waist and may wet yourself. So, the only way around the catheter, at least in my hopsital is to have a vaginal birth with no epidrual...... Im also planning on doing it without the epidural, if my baby flips around. We will see....