What to do if lochia has a bad smell

A woman will go through the process of pregnancy and childbirth once in her life. It sounds simple, but the process is hard. Many women encounter various problems during the confinement period after giving birth. Today, we will explain the lochia problem that every woman will encounter. Why does postpartum lochia have a bad smell? What should I do about this?

Whether you have a natural birth or a caesarean section, there will be some vaginal discharge after delivery, which is called lochia. After new mothers give birth, lochia begins to appear. The duration and flow pattern of lochia vary from person to person. Postpartum lochia that does not stop is a problem that many women experience. So, what should a new mother do when her lochia does not stop after delivery? Below, the editor has collected some good methods to help new mothers solve this problem.

How to observe postpartum lochia

One is bloody lochia. This is the secretion discharged within 1 to 4 days after delivery. It is large in amount, bright red in color, and contains blood, decidual tissue and mucus. It is similar to menstruation, or slightly more than menstruation, and sometimes contains blood clots.

The second is serous lochia. This is discharged around the 4th to 6th day after delivery. It is light red in color and contains a small amount of blood, mucus, more vaginal secretions, and bacteria.

The third is white lochia. This is the white or yellowish lochia that is discharged one week after delivery. It contains a large number of white blood cells, decidual cells and bacteria. It looks like leucorrhea, but it is more than usual. Although every parturient has lochia, the amount discharged varies from person to person, with the average total amount being about 500 to 1000 ml. The duration of lochia discharge varies from woman to woman. Normally, it will be clear in about 3 weeks. If lochia is still leaking for more than 2 months after delivery, it is considered as unclean lochia. Common causes include uterine cavity infection, the presence of pregnancy products such as placenta, decidua and other tissues left in the uterine cavity, and incomplete uterine involution. If the lochia is not clear one month after delivery, and is accompanied by a foul or rotten smell, or is accompanied by abdominal pain and fever, it may be an infection of the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries; if the amount of lochia increases day by day, the color turns red and darker day by day, or blood clots appear, or there is uterine bleeding, vaginal trauma, or infection, etc., so that the lochia continues to be clear, it should be taken seriously and go to the hospital for examination and treatment in time to ensure the health of the mother after delivery.

How to judge whether postpartum lochia is normal

If bright red blood spots appear again after the lochia has become lighter in color, it means you need to rest well. If spotting continues after a day of bed rest, you should see a doctor. You also need to see a doctor if:

1. 4 days after delivery, the lochia is still bright red.

2. The lochia has a foul odor or you have a fever or chills.

3. Abnormal amount of bleeding (soaking a sanitary napkin within 1 hour, or blood clots larger than golf balls appear). This indicates postpartum hemorrhage and you need to go to the hospital immediately.

4. If you are bleeding heavily and feel like you are going to faint, please call an ambulance immediately.

Be careful if postpartum lochia has a bad smell

Postpartum lochia is a normal and common symptom for women. Similarly, lochia may also occur after a cesarean section. Postpartum lochia refers to the shedding of the endometrium after childbirth, and the mucus secreted by the uterus will also flow out of the vagina. This is lochia. However, normal lochia has a bloody smell, but it is not smelly. If the lochia has a foul smell after a caesarean section, you should be alert.

When a puerperal infection occurs after childbirth, it can cause endometritis or myometritis. At this time, the mother will have symptoms such as fever, lower abdominal pain, increased lochia and foul odor. The lochia at this time not only has a foul odor, but also is not normal bloody or serous in color, but a turbid, dirty earthy brown color.

The above is some of the knowledge we have prepared for you today about the smell of postpartum lochia. You need to search and find more information on your own. Friends who have the conditions can also consult professional doctors one-on-one for detailed information. It is recommended that mothers pay more attention to their health and diet during the confinement period, protect their bodies, and keep warm.