Lochia will smell like menstrual blood. Some describe it as musty, metallic, sour or stale. However, it shouldn’t smell fishy or foul.
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.
Is it normal for postpartum discharge to smell?
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.
What are signs of postpartum infection?
Other signs of a postpartum infection include:
Soreness, tenderness, or swelling of the belly or abdomen.Chills.Pain while urinating or during sex.Abnormal vaginal discharge that has a bad smell or blood in it.A general feeling of discomfort or unwellness.Headache.
Do miscarriages have an odor?
Septic Miscarriage: Some miscarriages occur with an infection in the uterus. This is a serious condition that requires urgent treatment to prevent shock and death. With septic miscarriage, the patient usually develops fever and abdominal pain and may have bleeding and discharge with a foul odor.
Is it normal to have smelly discharge after miscarriage?
Bacterial infections can spread and become septic quickly, so if you have any of the following symptoms after a miscarriage, contact your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room: Chills. Fever over 100.4 degrees. Foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
How do I get rid of smell after giving birth?
“Hydration is important to help rid of postpartum body odor. Water flushes out toxins and wastes while diluting the odors produced from your body,” Dr. Shepherd says. Breathable materials (like cotton underwear or t-shirts) can help the body breath, so sweat doesn’t get trapped.
How do you get rid of smell after giving birth?
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.
When should I be concerned about lochia?
When to call your doctor
If the bleeding gets heavy enough to soak through a hospital pad in less than an hour or doesn’t lessen after a few days, call your doctor. Also, tell your doctor if you notice: signs of infection, like foul-smelling discharge. a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills.
