Is lochia supposed to smell?
Lochia will smell like menstrual blood. Some describe it as musty, metallic, sour or stale. However, it shouldn't smell fishy or foul.
Is smelly postpartum discharge normal?
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.
What does an offensive odor usually indicates with lochia?
In general, lochia has an odor similar to that of normal menstrual fluid. Any offensive odor or change to a greenish color indicates contamination by organisms such as chlamydia or staph saprophyticus.
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.
How long does lochia smell last?
Lochia lasts for about six weeks, starting with heavier bleeding that may contain clots, and gradually turning to a whitish or yellowish discharge. Lochia typically smells similar to a menstrual period and may smell slightly metallic, stale, or musty. It shouldn't smell foul.
How do you know if your lochia is infected?
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.
Why do I smell postpartum?
“A change in a woman's postpartum scent helps direct a baby toward her for breastfeeding,” adds Dr. Alagia. “In fact, during breastfeeding, women excrete different pheromones—mix that with a baby's saliva and it can cause an odor that may be new and unfamiliar to the woman.”
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 is lochia infection treated?
How are puerperal infections treated? Postpartum infections are most commonly treated with oral antibiotics. Your doctor may prescribe clindamycin (Cleocin) or gentamicin (Gentasol). Antibiotics will be tailored to the type of bacteria your doctor suspects caused the infection.
How do you know if you are overdoing it postpartum?
If your postnatal bleeding (lochia) gets heavier or changes colour (becomes pink or red) after activity, you could be overdoing it. You're also likely to feel very tired. Listen to your body. Pace yourself and make sure you get plenty of rest too.
What are the 3 different types of lochia?
You'll go through three postpartum bleeding stages: lochia rubra, lochia serosa and lochia alba.
How long does postpartum lochia 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. It contains: blood.