After giving birth, it is normal for women to experience lochia for up to 6 weeks. Lochia refers to the postpartum vaginal discharge that consists of blood, mucus, and placental tissue. Many women report noticing a distinct odor with lochia. This article will examine whether postpartum blood has a smell and what causes it.
What Causes the Smell of Postpartum Bleeding?
There are several factors that contribute to the smell of postpartum vaginal discharge:
Blood and Tissue
The blood and placental tissue expelled during lochia carry their own scent. The iron-rich blood and decaying tissue can create a metallic, rotten-flesh smell. This is especially noticeable with lochia rubra, the heavy red bleeding experienced in the first 3-10 days after delivery.
Changes in Vaginal pH
The pH balance of the vagina becomes more alkaline after childbirth. This shift away from the vagina’s normal acidic state, plus the introduction of blood and tissue, alters the balance of bacteria. Different bacterial growth can cause new smells.
Healing Wound Odor
The placental wound left on the uterine wall undergoes healing and regeneration during lochia. This results in a “wound smell” that some describe as sweet and others as offensive.
Incontinence
Many women experience postpartum urinary incontinence. The leakage of urine into lochia pads can introduce an ammonia odor. Fecal incontinence after birth can also lead to feces mixing with discharge, causing foul smells.
What Does Normal Postpartum Discharge Smell Like?
While lochia smells vary, most women report normal postpartum discharge having an earthy or metallic scent. The odor is especially strong with the heavy bleeding right after delivery. As the lochia transitions from red to pink to brown and white, the smell lightens.
Here is how the smell changes over the course of normal lochia:
Lochia Rubra: Days 1-3
– Heavy red bleeding
– Strongest odor, described as “fleshy” or “iron-rich”
Lochia Serosa: Days 4-10
– Pink or brownish discharge
– Odor gets less pronounced
Lochia Alba: Weeks 3-6
– Whitish or yellow discharge
– Faint or minimal odor
While each woman’s experience is different, a normal lochia smell is often likened to the scent of menstrual flow. As the vagina heals and dislodged tissue passes, the smell diminishes. An extremely foul or pungent odor is not typical and may signal infection or retained tissue.
When to Worry About the Smell
Some odors from postpartum bleeding warrant medical attention. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice:
Fishy or Rotten Smell
A fish-like whiff to lochia could mean bacterial vaginosis or chorioamnionitis. Both infections require antibiotic treatment.
Putrid Odor
Lochia with an extremely offensive, decaying trash smell may point to retained placenta fragments or other tissue. This can cause sepsis without prompt removal.
Foul Smell with Discharge Change
If lochia smells particularly bad together with a change to green, yellow, grey, or frothy discharge, an infection like endometritis may be brewing.
Strong Urine or Feces Smell
More than just a faint urine scent likely means concentrated urine mixing with lochia. This could signal dehydration or urinary dysfunction needing attention. The same applies to a pronounced fecal odor.
Tips to Reduce Postpartum Discharge Odor
While some lochia smell is inevitable, you can take steps to mitigate unpleasant odors:
Change Pads and Underwear Frequently
Leaving a lochia-soaked pad or underwear in place allows more bacteria growth. This worsens odor. Change at least every 2-4 hours.
Clean With Warm Water
Wash the vulva and perineum with warm water and avoid fragranced soaps. Gently pat dry.
Try Herbal Sitz Baths
Bathing the perineum in teas like lavender, thyme, or mint provides soothing anti-microbial relief.
Use Breathable Cotton Underwear
Cotton underwear allows more air circulation to keep discharge odors from “lingering.” Avoid synthetics.
Take Probiotics
Probiotic supplements can promote vaginal health and balance bacteria leading to foul smells.
Drink Plenty of Fluids
Staying hydrated dilutes urine and prevents dehydration odor. Drink water, juice, etc. unless fluid-restricted.
Increase Hygiene After Bowel Movements
Be extra meticulous cleaning after defecation to limit feces contact with lochia.
When Does Postpartum Bleeding Smell Go Away?
Most women find the odor of lochia resolves around week 4-6 postpartum. As vaginal healing completes and discharge transitions from red, pink, brown, and yellow to normal whitish lubrication, scent diminishes.
However, transient postpartum bleeding can continue beyond 6 weeks, especially with breastfeeding. This delayed lochia is called “secondary lochia.” It may carry light odor.
Complete elimination of lochia smells coincides with the end of vaginal discharge. Life and bacterial balance return to normal in the vagina within about 8 weeks for most women.
Does Lochia Smell Different After C-Section?
The postpartum experience differs between vaginal and cesarean delivery in many ways, including discharge. Here’s how the smell of lochia may vary:
Vaginal Delivery Lochia Smells
– Originates from placental wound site on uterine wall
– Bloody lochia rubra phase with strongest smell
– Discharge exits through vagina
C-Section Lochia Smells
– Originates from placental scar on lower uterus segment
– Typically shorter/lighter bloody phase
– Discharge accumulates internally until drainage from incision
The difference in odor between vaginal and cesarean lochia is subtle. However, women who deliver via planned C-section sometimes notice less early odor since blood and tissue are not immediately exiting the vagina. Both methods result in the same healing process that tapers smells.
Relation to Normal Menstrual Cycle Smells
You may be familiar with the range of odors associated with a normal menstrual period. Postpartum lochia smells originate from similar sources:
Menstrual Smell Factors
– Blood has an iron/metal scent
– Tissue and bacteria interact
– Discharge flows from cervix through vagina
Lochia Smell Factors
– Blood has an iron/metal scent
– Placental tissue and bacteria interact
– Discharge flows from uterus through vagina
Since both menstrual fluid and lochia contain blood and tissue that flows through the vagina, smells can be alike. But lochia odor is often stronger due to the large wound and extra tissue discharged.
Do Other Postpartum Fluids Smell?
Lochia is not the only discharge present after having a baby. Two other common sources of fluid also have distinct odors:
Breastmilk
– Can smell sweet, fatty, or even metallic
– Caused by nutrients like lactose and lipids
– Allows baby to locate breast by scent
Sweat
– Smells salty or ammonia-like
– Caused by hormones, healing skin, etc.
– Concentrated in breasts, vagina, underarms
Breastmilk and perspiration are normal and healthy postpartum. But pronounced or strange scents in either could indicate infection.
What About Smell During Future Periods After Birth?
Once postpartum bleeding ends and the first menstrual period returns, is odor different than before giving birth? Research shows:
– Cycle regulation takes time, often with irregularity
– Hormonal flux influences smell
– Most women report period smells identical to pre-pregnancy
For some, the first few cycles have stronger odor than normal. Things typically stabilize within 3-6 months as the body adjusts back to non-pregnant functioning.
Coping with Postpartum Smell Sensitivity
New moms often describe increased sensitivity and aversion to smells early postpartum. Some strategies to handle this include:
– Avoid offensive triggers like foods, trash, smoke, etc.
– Open windows regularly for fresh air
– Use scent-free laundry detergent and soaps
– Limit use of air fresheners and fragrances
– Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest
– Use cooling menthol creams near nose/mouth
As hormone levels adjust after birth, smell perception usually normalizes. But take steps to minimize unpleasant odors that feel amplified.
When to See a Doctor
Consult a medical provider if any of the following occur:
– Lochia has a fishy or rotten odor
– Bleeding smells extremely foul or putrid
– Discharge changes color and texture with bad smell
– You need more than 1 pad per hour from heavy bleeding
– Bleeding lasts over 6 weeks without slowing
– You run a fever over 100.4°F
Severe lochia odors, especially with other symptoms, could indicate infection or complication needing prompt treatment.
Conclusion
It is common for postpartum lochia to have a distinct scent from blood, tissue, bacteria, and healing wounds. Typical smell ranges from metallic to earthy and fades as discharge wraps up. While mild odor is normal, extremely foul smells or those joining other symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor. With proper care and hygiene, unfavorable lochia odors resolve on their own within about 6 weeks for most postpartum women.