Why do I smell down there after having a baby?

What is lochia? 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.


How long does postpartum odor last?

Weird smells are normal.

Immediately after, and even six to eight weeks after delivery, there will be lochia, and lots of it. This is the stuff (mostly blood) that your uterus sheds, and it may have a mild odor to it.

What does a postpartum infection smell like?

Lochia may smell similar to a menstrual period and have a stale, musty, or metallic odor. Lochia occurs in three stages and is a normal part of healing after giving birth. Keep in mind that there are complications to look out for, such as infection or hemorrhage.


Why do I smell more 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.

How do you get rid of postpartum body odor?

Shower regularly (or as much as a new parent can) Avoid foods rich in salt. Avoid alcohol. Detox your armpits at night with our Peppermint and Activated Charcoal Free-From Deodorant to help eliminate any lingering toxins and wake up feeling fresher.


Vaginal Odor After Delivery



Do vaginas go back to normal after birth?

You'll have a (slightly) wider vagina.

Things can also feel looser down there post-childbirth, but it tends to gradually go back to normal. If, however, you have a very large baby (or have had many babies), it might not go back to exactly the way it was before.

What are the signs of a uterus infection?

Symptoms
  • Pain — ranging from mild to severe — in your lower abdomen and pelvis.
  • Unusual or heavy vaginal discharge that may have an unpleasant odor.
  • Unusual bleeding from the vagina, especially during or after sex, or between periods.
  • Pain during sex.
  • Fever, sometimes with chills.
  • Painful, frequent or difficult urination.


What are signs of 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.


Can you get fingered after having a baby?

“It's best to keep things out of the vagina for a few weeks. That includes tampons, saliva, penises, fingers and toys,” Dr. Zuponcic says. “Your cervix hasn't yet shrunk back down.

Do you get tight after having a baby?

The pelvic floor muscles elongate during pregnancy and are stretched with birth. As a result, after birth “the muscles usually tighten up in response,” Mortifoglio says. Extended pushing, tearing, stitches, or an episiotomy only increase the tension, with additional inflammation and pressure to the area.

How long can you make love after giving birth?

While there's no required waiting period before you can have sex again, many health care providers recommend waiting to have sex until four to six weeks after delivery, regardless of the delivery method. The risk of having a complication after delivery is highest during the first two weeks after delivery.


How do I know if I have yeast infection postpartum?

Yeast infections postpartum are common, especially if you use breast pads.
...
The symptoms are:
  1. Disorientation, feeling confused.
  2. Fast heart rate.
  3. Extreme pain.
  4. Clammy skin.
  5. Experiencing chills or feeling cold.
  6. Rapid breathing.


What is the most common postpartum infection?

“Postpartum infection is a pretty broad category that would include any infection in the postpartum period, which we generally consider to be at least the first six weeks postpartum,” says Sutton. The three that afflict mothers the most are endometritis, cesarean section incision infection, and mastitis.

What does a yeast infection feel like postpartum?

Common signs include fever, chills, and a general sense of illness. Many of these infections are easy to treat, but some may be life threatening. If you notice any signs of infection after birth, along with other worrisome symptoms such as abdominal pain or painful urination, let your doctor know right away.


How can I clean my uterus infection?

If the uterus is infected, women are usually given antibiotics by vein (intravenously) until they have had no fever for at least 48 hours. Afterward, most women do not need to take antibiotics by mouth. Before a cesarean delivery, doctors may give women antibiotics shortly before surgery.

How do I know what infection I have down there?

Symptoms of common vaginal infections
  1. an unusual discharge from your vagina, which can be thick and white like cottage cheese, or thinner, white/grey, green or yellow and fishy-smelling.
  2. itchiness or soreness in or around your vagina.
  3. pain when you have sex.
  4. pain when you pass urine (pee)


How do you know if your uterus is septic?

Symptoms.
  1. Fever and chills.
  2. Dizziness.
  3. Lower abdominal pain.
  4. Foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
  5. Vaginal bleeding.
  6. Increased heart rate.
  7. Feelings of discomfort or illness.


How long does it take to get tight again after birth?

How long will it take to heal my vagina after birth? Every vagina is different, but if you're a younger mother who's had an uncomplicated vaginal delivery, you can expect to regain full pelvic floor tightness in around six months.

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.

What does Lochia look like?

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. For the fourth through tenth day after delivery, the lochia will be more watery and pinkish to brownish in color.


How do I clean my womb after giving birth?

To cleanse the area, use the "squirt" water bottle you got in the hospital. After you go to the bathroom, rinse from front to back with warm water. Continue these rinses for as long as you have vaginal bleeding. Pat (don't wipe) from front to back to dry.

Can I breastfeed if I have a yeast infection?

During breastfeeding , a yeast infection (called thrush when it occurs in the mouth) can be passed back and forth between the mother's breasts and the infant's mouth.

How do I get rid of postpartum infection?

Postpartum infections are primarily treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics given intravenously (IV) if you are still in the hospital. Broad-spectrum antibiotics cover a variety of bacteria and are used when the type of bacteria is unknown.


How do you treat a postpartum yeast infection?

A yeast infection can be treated by creams that can be applied vaginally. Monistat, Gyne-Lotrimin, or prescription Terazol or Vagistat provide immediate relief of burning on the vulva and should completely clear up the infection in a week.

Will yeast infection go away on its own?

Fortunately, most yeast infections are not serious. Left untreated, yeast infections will usually go away on their own, but the severe itching can be hard to tolerate for some.