Why does my postpartum blood smell so bad?

The lochia smells strange. If your blood loss smells strange or bad, you may have an infection in your womb. Or you could have an infection from any tears you sustained while giving birth, in your vagina or perineum (the bit between your vagina and bottom).

What if lochia smells bad?

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.

How do you know if your lochia is infected?

What are the symptoms of a puerperal infection?

1. fever.
2. pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis caused by a swollen uterus.
3. foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
4. pale skin, which can be a sign of large volume blood loss.
5. chills.
6. feelings of discomfort or illness.
7. headache.
8. loss of appetite.

Is it normal to have a bad smell after giving birth?

Lochia (vaginal discharge) 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.

Is it normal to have a smelly discharge after giving birth?

How do I know if I have an infection in my uterus?

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.

What does lochia look like after postpartum bleeding?

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. The placental site is rapidly creating new skin tissue to heal, which results in more sloughed off tissue.

Why does my uterus smell like postpartum blood?

This may be postpartum bleeding or part of the placenta may be stuck to your uterus. You’ve passed lots of clots. You’re passing clots in the lochia alba stage. Your bleeding has a foul smell instead of smelling like normal menstrual blood.

When does your lochia turn red in pregnancy?

Your lochia becomes red in the serosa or alba stages. You’re passing clots in the lochia serosa stage. One or more clots are sized as large as golf balls.

What does the Alba stage of postpartum discharge look like?

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.