Is it normal to have a smelly discharge after giving birth?

What is lochia

lochia

Lochia is the vaginal discharge you have after a vaginal delivery. It has a stale, musty odor like menstrual discharge. Lochia for the first 3 days after delivery is dark red in color. A few small blood clots, no larger than a plum, are normal.

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Pregnancy: Physical Changes After Delivery - Cleveland Clinic

? Lochia is the vaginal discharge you have after giving birth. It contains a mix of blood, mucus and uterine tissue. It has a stale, musty odor like menstrual period discharge and can last several weeks.

What causes a foul smelling discharge after giving birth?

Signs of uterine infection after giving birth may include; a foul-smelling discharge, swollen, tender uterus, rapid increase in white blood-cell count which is abnormal. Also, an infection of the amniotic sac especially during labor can lead to infection after delivery.

How do I get rid of smell after giving birth?

If you don't have time or energy for a full shower, wiping off the underarms and vagina with a warm washcloth or even a makeup cloth can help remove sweat, breast milk, discharge or blood. Hydration is key for many reasons, but it turns out it also helps body odor.

How long does discharge after birth last?

The blood you see after childbirth is called lochia. It's a type of discharge that's similar to your menstrual period, and typically lasts for four to six weeks postdelivery.

What does infected lochia smell like?

Lochia typically smells similar to a menstrual period and may smell slightly metallic, stale, or musty. It shouldn't smell foul.

Management of postpartum foul smelling white discharge - Dr. Teena S Thomas

How do you know if your lochia is infected?

How do you know if you have an infection after giving birth?

Symptoms of uterine infections commonly include pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis, fever (usually within 1 to 3 days after delivery), paleness, chills, a general feeling of illness or discomfort, and often headache and loss of appetite. The heart rate is often rapid. The uterus is swollen, tender, and soft.

How can I get rid of smelly discharge naturally?

Why does my lochia smell like poop?

Infection. If lochia has a foul smell, this can indicate an infection. The infection may cause endometritis, which is inflammation of the uterine lining.

What kind of infection can you get after giving birth?

What is the most common postpartum infection?

Endometritis is the most common infection in the postpartum period.

Does the end of lochia smell?

Does lochia smell? Yes, lochia can have a distinct odor, similar to menstrual blood. But if your lochia has a foul smell or you come down with fever or chills, call your doctor. That can be a sign of a postpartum infection.

Why does my discharge smell like rotten eggs?

The strong smell is likely due to the blood and tissues exiting the vagina along with bacteria. It's normal for the vagina to have bacteria, though the amount can fluctuate. The resulting “rotten” smell from bacteria mixed with menstrual flow shouldn't be strong enough for others to detect.

What is the normal smell of Virgina?

Should a healthy vagina have any smell at all? Normal vaginal discharge has a mild, musky scent that is not unpleasant. This means that a slight smell is normal. Any foul (bad) or strong smell, or a smell that is unusual, is a sign that things are out of balance, and that you should get yourself checked out.

What antibiotics treat smelly discharge?

How can I prevent infection after giving birth?

Preventive Self Care After Vaginal Birth

Proper handwashing is the best thing you can do for yourself and your baby to prevent infection. ✔ use only sanitary pads for the first 6 weeks, not tampons. Tampons keep the discharge inside the vagina and provide a place for germs to grow.

When should I be concerned about lochia?

Fever, severe pain or cramping that lasts more than a few days after delivery, and foul-smelling lochia are warning signs of infection, says Dr. Masterson. You should also contact your doctor if you have to change your pad more than once per hour because it's soaked through with blood.

What are the 3 types of lochia?

You'll go through three postpartum bleeding stages: lochia rubra, lochia serosa and lochia alba.

What does infection smell like?

A strong or foul odor

But infected wounds often have a distinct odor along with other symptoms. Some bacteria can smell sickly sweet, while others can be quite strong, putrid, or ammonia-like. If you notice a strong or foul odor, especially with pus, drainage, or warmth present, alert your doctor as soon as possible.

What is the meaning of foul smell?

(ˌfaʊlˈsmɛlɪŋ ) adjective. having a very unpleasant smell.

How do you know if your stitches are healing after giving birth?

Your Recovery

The stitches will dissolve in 1 to 2 weeks, so they will not need to be removed. You may notice pieces of the stitches on your sanitary pad or on the toilet paper when you go to the washroom. This is normal. Sometimes, a small tear won't be closed with stitches and will be allowed to heal on its own.

How do I know if its lochia or my period?

Lochia is typically creamy white to red in colour, but it's not to be confused with your actual period. The main difference between lochia and your period is that lochia will be lighter and more watery. It may also have a sweet smell and, unlike your period, lochia's flow will increase when you exert yourself.

How long after birth can you get an infection?

Infected incisions

Up to 16 percent of women who have a c-section develop an infection, usually within a week of delivery. Risks of incisional complications include obesity, diabetes, and infections during labor.

How do you treat a yeast infection after giving birth?

Postpartum yeast infections may be associated with antibiotics, vaginal birth, or hormonal changes. It is important to tell your doctor about your symptoms before attempting to use over the counter antifungal medications. Your doctor may prescribe an oral antifungal to speed up the healing process.

What does a yeast infection look like?

Yeast infections often cause thick, white, clumpy vaginal discharge that usually doesn't smell (or only smells slightly different than normal). You might also have a creamy, whitish coating in and around your vagina. Most yeast infections lead to itching, burning, and/or redness in or around the vagina.