Bladder care during labor is crucial to prevent bladder distension, which can interfere with fetal descent and prolong labor. Encouraging voiding every 2-4 hours helps maintain an empty bladder, ensuring optimal pelvic space for delivery. Regular emptying also reduces the risk of urinary retention and infection. Complete fluid restriction is unsafe as it may cause dehydration, and routine permanent catheterization increases infection risk and should be reserved for specific indications. No intervention may lead to bladder overdistension, complicating labor and postpartum recovery.

Reference: Williams Obstetrics, Cunningham et al., 25th Edition.