Why does my postpartum period smell?

Vaginal blood loss is often associated with a slight metallic smell. This might continue for six to eight weeks after childbirth. This is the stuff your uterus keeps shedding after birth. But if the mild odor smells strong and foul, it could be due to an infection or tears in your vagina during the birthing process.

Is it normal to have foul-smelling discharge after having a baby?

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.

Why is the first period after pregnancy so bad?

Brace yourself…the first period after giving birth is typically heavier than normal because there is extra blood in your uterine lining that needs to be shed. You may enjoy easier periods due to physical changes in the uterus and cervix, although some women experience stronger cramps.

Is your first period after having a baby bad?

It is common for a woman’s period to change after having a baby. Some women experience heavier or more painful periods, while others find that their periods become easier. In the months after giving birth, periods may be irregular but may return to normal over time.

What are signs of postpartum infection?

Symptoms of Postpartum Uterine Infections 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.

Is it normal for lochia to turn red again?

If your lochia turns bright red a few weeks after it has started to change color and strength, this may be due to the remnants of a scab from the placenta site making its way out. If your bright red bleeding returns and you’re soaking through a pad an hour, or you have pain or a fever, it’s worth calling your doctor.

What does postpartum infection smell like?

Does lochia smell? Lochia is blood so there will be a smell, which should be mild. ‘Lochia odour is similar to that of normal menstrual fluid; some say it smells stale and musty,’ says Sharon.

Does lochia smell go away?

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.

How long does first period after birth last?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, most postpartum women will have a “normal” menstrual cycle of 21 to 35 days with bleeding that lasts 2 to 7 days.

When will periods start after delivery?

If you bottle feed your baby, or combine bottle feeding with breastfeeding, your first period could start as soon as 5 to 6 weeks after you give birth.

Is it normal to bleed 3 months postpartum?

After childbirth, some bleeding and spotting is completely normal. And this may last for about four to six weeks. Heavy bleeding after giving birth is called postpartum hemorrhage.

When does postpartum infection begin?

Postpartum endometritis is an infection of the lining of the womb which can occur up to six weeks after childbirth. It is much more common after caesarean section births. It usually causes a temperature, tummy pain and heavier vaginal bleeding.

What’s the difference between postpartum bleeding and discharge?

Most women know that there may be some bleeding after giving birth but often women are surprised by how much and how long and they aren’t aware of the difference between postpartum bleeding and discharge and menstruation. The first bleeding after you give birth is called lochia. What exactly is lochia?

What kind of discharge is there after birth?

It is made up of mainly blood, bits of fetal membranes, decidua, meconium, and cervical discharge. Lochia Serosa: The lochia rubra gradually changes color to brown and then yellow over a period of about a week. It is called lochia serosa at this stage.

When to call the doctor for postpartum discharge?

Elevate your feet when sitting or lying down and make sure you drink a lot of fluids to help your body get rid of the excess fluid. Call your doctor if one leg is much more swollen than the other, if you have pain in your leg when walking or if there is a red hot area in one leg. Start Kegel exercises immediately after delivery.

What does vaginal discharge look like during pregnancy?

Your body continues to shed the blood and tissue that lined your uterus while you were pregnant. In the first few weeks, blood might be heavier and appear in clots. As the weeks go by, this blood gives way to vaginal discharge known as lochia. Lochia is bodily fluid that can appear clear to creamy white to red in color.