What does infected lochia smell like?

Lochia will smell like menstrual blood. Some describe it as musty, metallic, sour or stale. However, it shouldn't smell fishy or foul. This could mean bacteria has gotten into your vagina and caused an infection.

What is foul-smelling lochia?

Foul-smelling lochia may be a sign of infection and warrants a visit to a healthcare provider. It is normal for the bleeding to stop and start, and to experience period-like cramping as the uterus shrinks back to its normal size.

What are the signs of abnormal lochia?

How do you know if you have postpartum infection?

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.

When should I worry 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.

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How long does lochia odor last?

“The postpartum body brings smells that may be confused with sweat-related body odor,” says Dr. Alagia. “This includes a vaginal discharge called lochia, which is a mix of amniotic fluid, tissue, and blood. It usually passes through the vagina up to six weeks post-birth.”

When assessing lochia what signs would indicate infection?

Lochia with offensive odour may indicate infection. It is possible for red lochial discharge to still be present at 6–8 weeks. It is more common also after instrumental delivery. Seek medical help if concerned.

How soon after birth can you get sepsis?

If it develops within six weeks of delivery, it is called postpartum sepsis or puerperal sepsis. Sometimes incorrectly called blood poisoning, sepsis is the body's often deadly inflammatory response to infection. Like strokes or heart attacks, sepsis is a medical emergency that requires rapid diagnosis and treatment.

How do you test for postpartum sepsis?

Why does lochia turn yellow?

Eventually, the light spotting may turn into a creamy white or yellow discharge. This discharge is caused by white blood cells that are working to heal the lining of the uterus. It is normal for this type of yellow discharge to last for an additional two to four weeks.

Is it normal for lochia to turn red again?

By the sixth week, the bleeding will likely subside—but it's not abnormal for lochia to stop, turn red and then fade back again, especially during the early stages.

What is the final stage of lochia?

The Third Stage: Lochia Alba

This Alba stage is the final (and longest) stage of postpartum discharge. At this point, it may not even look like bleeding anymore. Lochia will be a yellowish-whitish color, and consists of cervical mucus, white blood cells, and epithelial tissue.

How do you clean lochia?

Gently pat dry with clean toilet paper or clean wipes. Change the sanitary pad after every void or bowel movement, or at least 4x a day. Both lochia and feces are a medium for bacteria. If you have delivered vaginally, soaking in a bath tub can also help with cleaning and wound healing.

What are the 3 different types of lochia?

Three types of lochia color patterns were identified: type 1--rubra-->serosa-->alba sequence (n = 20); type 2-rubra-->serosa-->alba sequence with prolonged rubra phase and short serosa and alba phases (n = 11); and type 3-with two rubra phases (rubra-->serosa/alba-->rubra-->serosa/alba sequence with near-equal duration ...

Why is my body odor so strong postpartum?

If you're nursing your baby, your body will emit a stronger smell through your underarm sweat than normal to help your baby find its source of food (2). This is your body's response to naturally assist your baby in finding the breast, and will begin right after giving birth.

What postpartum symptoms should not be ignored?

In general, warning signs of serious health conditions include chest pain, trouble breathing, heavy bleeding and extreme pain. If you have any of these signs or symptoms, call your provider right away. If you think your life is in danger, call emergency services (911) or go to the emergency room.

What does postpartum sepsis feel like?

Sepsis is a severe infection which affects the entire body; the first signs are usually a rise in your temperature, heart rate and breathing. You may also feel unwell, have chills and flu-type symptoms, abdominal pain in your tummy and diarrhoea.

Can a mother pass sepsis through breastfeeding?

Can sepsis affect the newborn child? Yes, there is a risk that the mother will pass on her infection to her newborn child, particularly if she is breast feeding. Mothers who test positive for GBS or GAS infection should be carefully advised on hygiene and monitoring their babies for signs of infection.

What are the major sepsis risk during the postpartum period?

Previous literature highlights that hemorrhage, lacerations, multiple vaginal examination, mode of delivery are major contributors to sepsis that may develop within a few hours of giving birth [14, 15].

How do you know if you have an infection 2 weeks postpartum?

The most common signs of postpartum infections are: Too much bleeding or hemorrhage discharge from the vagina. Foul smell coming out from the vagina. Little or no bleeding after delivery is a potential problem as well.

Which postpartum infection is the most common?

Endometritis is the most common infection in the postpartum period.

What are the four types of lochia?

How long is too long for postpartum bleeding?

How long do you bleed after giving birth? Lochia is typically heavier and dark red in color for up to 10 days after giving birth, and then transitions into lighter bleeding or spotting that can last for four to six weeks after delivery.

When are you no longer postpartum?

How long is the postpartum period? No matter how you delivered your baby, the postpartum recovery period is generally considered to be the first six weeks after childbirth.