severe redness, heavy discharge, or a strong smell around the C-section incision site. Mostly it was if I took a day off from showering (with a newborn, showers didn't always happen). That's what helped me out. by your doctor. One sign of an internal infection is the presence of fever. Anyway it's been about 6 weeks and the stinkin odor is back and very offensive I made a Dr appt but my real question is has anyone had this problem? A cesarean is a life-saving procedure for many mothers and infants. I had this problem while i was healing too. Iam having the same problem has you! This means it should really be unlikely to smell. 2. Here is a list of some things you could do to make sure your C-section wound heals as soon as your body would allow it: The postpartum period is probably one of the most challenging times as a mother, and we just want to recover and feel ourselves again. Just like there are easy home remedies for a C-section recovery, similarly, the incision made by a C-section can be kept dry and free of sweat by following some of these tips: 1. Make sure to super wash and rinse in the shower every day but don't super rub it. C: I received dissolving stitches as well and they healed pretty well until I stopped using gauze my obgyn suggested using powder to keep it dry after it healed but a few people have told me to completely avoid powder so gonna see my GP tomorrow. Blood vessels in the area of the cut begin to form clots that keep you from losing too much blood. Sometimes it smells a bit or looks more whitey discharge colour. 25 answers. Those with illnesses like. About 32% of the deliveries in the US are by C-Section. 2022511. But be careful of medicines like. Further tests may be necessary to determine the type of infection and most suitable treatment. I too had an odor with my c-section. A Group Owner is a member that has initiated the creation of a group to connect with other members to share their journey through the same pregnancy & baby stages. Its probably infected mine was after my first c section and I just had to put antibiotic cream on it, Is it itchy? A cesarean will make you feel uncomfortable for the first few days. A Group Owner is a member that has initiated the creation of a group to connect with other members to share their journey through the same pregnancy & baby stages. Not to mention, getting too sweaty will also invite bacteria into your wound, which can also create an infection. Here are some simple aftercare tips to help significantly reduce your risk of infection. Updated Jan 25, 2021. It could be a yeast infection or fungus. ( he also told me to put a maxi pad on the scar w/ the baby powder, but I didn't I let it air out) This worked for me, I hope it works for you. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. The consequences if you don't could be yucky! They might need to open the incision for a better examination and collect pus for a better diagnosis. i have a fowl smell coming from mine also. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? It is, however, possible to reduce the risk of infection by maintaining a healthful lifestyle before the surgery. I also suggest you get into the habit of moisturizing your scar to help keep the skin around it hydrated and firm. Ugh no IVs D: had one during the delivery and it was terrible made a call to my doctor and seeing him tomorrow - thank you for the reply! Before my shower, I wash the incision site. Now that you know the ways to help prevent c-section infections in the weeks and months following your surgery, you might be wondering about the implications of your c-section scar a few years later. could it be becuse i do not keep it dry enough ? Were proud to be a team of writers who are truly passionate about all things health.Coming together from all parts of the world, we share a common goal of helping serve many with our comprehensive research and clear writing style. Reapply deodorants or antiperspirants. If you feel a message or content violates these standards and would like to request its removal please submit the following information and our moderating team will respond shortly. All rights reserved. Answer (1 of 8): If the foul smell is recent, then Martha Kirtley's answer that you have an infection is probably correct, and you should SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY. Place a soft towel between the wound and the fold of the skin to soak up sweat. It's very common for your C section scar to be itching as it heals. Getting a C-section can help make pregnancy a little bit easier. Wearing too tight clothes can pull on the weakened scar tissue, leading to your incision opening and an infection manifesting. That was last week and the smell has lessened considerably.I just keep it clean, and I put a pantyliner against it in my undies to absorb any moisture. My staph infection smelled BAD, was red/inflamed/splotchy, oozed . Incisional endometriosis is rare. HTH!! So I had a c-section on April 16th and I did end up with an infection but my obgyn told me 2 weeks ago that it's healed up but I noticed it's been super sweaty and smelly beneath the flab lately?? What to Expect has thousands of open discussions happening each day. Antibiotic medications are the usual treatment for bacterial infections. Carole D (24) 15/01/2018 at 8:44 am. To the eye, it's dark black, when it should be fleshy and pink. This is because elevated glucose levels make it harder for the body to heal. My scar has stopped weeping but it's still smelly I wash it dry it loads I've done everything but it still stinks! This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. This is what's makes the smell. The uterine rupture might cause heavy bleeding that leads to blood transfusion. In, Cesarean wound infections occur when bacteria enter the incision. Ewww, I had the same problem! It's disgusting though and I can't wait to be all healed up and back to normal. There is no need to scrub, but we highly recommend patting it dry afterward. Sometimes a little switch of doctors helps. Your doctor will examine your wound and its potential cause. There are several factors that can help reduce the risk of a C-section wound infection. In both cases, go to the emergency room to get your incision re-closed. A lot of consideration needs to be taken to avoid irritating your cesarean incision during recovery to reduce the risk of getting infected. In the meantime, consider getting Calendula tincture from the health food store. These include shivers, sneezing, coughing, extreme fatigue, and nausea. I have that dang belly bulge too and I am telling you it works. Make sure it's the powder and not the cream or ointment as the these are too oclusive and will only worsen the situation. I think signs of infection are usually pain, non-healing (continued drainage or an open oozing wound), redness, warmth or a firm, growing area if the infection can't drain out into the open. Use warm, soapy water to wash your incision daily (usually when you shower). Poor prenatal care and lack of antimicrobial precautions. i clean it everyday and it is not infected. Go sooner if you feel unwell or incision looks red/hot. In your case, it is uncommon for it to itch so many years after . Nystatin powder (also a prescription . Hope that helps. It is red and spotted actually, but its not on the actual incision site - its just below it about half an inch or so. So whats going on with you and your incision? I have autoimmune diseases and had bad yeast smells and infection on a c-section scar ever since I was cut open, going on 7 years of suffering. It should not smell, as I'm sure you know, and you should TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS. abnormal swelling, redness, and pain around the wound. Learn more. Steps 1 and 2 are recommended for early recovery and are often covered by insurance (check your coverage through Aeroflow Breastpumps). Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have any of these signs or symptoms of sepsis after giving birth: Chills or feeling very cold. Recovery times may vary depending on different factors, such as the severity of the infection. LOL, it was as gross as it sounds. Am I Feeling Flutters at 9 Weeks Pregnant? Not only is it essential to eat healthily so that your incision has the vitamins, minerals, and amino acids needed to repair itself, what you eat can also affect infections. An incision infection is a painful experience that nobody wants to experience (or experience again). We strive to provide you with a high quality community experience. I hope it's something minor like a yeast infection. Other than the really bad smell there is no pain, no oozing, looks good. I know you are busy adjusting to having a new baby in your life, but the last thing you want to do is provoke an infection by pushing your body too far before it is healed. It is also more common because it heals faster and is less painful. Keep a close eye on the incision site for any signs of infection and if any areas are opening. I have also used a wipe gently to freshen up. If you are smelling your scar, it is likely the infection is quite nasty and needs antibiotics. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. If you feel a message or content violates these standards and would like to request its removal please submit the following information and our moderating team will respond shortly. They will then examine the wound and ask about the presence of fever-like symptoms. I called the dr and waiting for a call back. See last answer. Keeping it clean and dry will help a lot. Congrats on your little one by the way! Aahhh this is so gross! It is usually red and swelling and if your incision is properly clean or healing then it should not be any of those. A foul smell coming from the incision site. 11 days postpartum, im having very bad smelling vaginal discharge, most like peeing bloody discharge, i cant tolerate the smell, its that bad.having chills, asked my husband to take picture of my incision. Anonymous. Mine is under my stomach too and it doesn't smell pretty. What my doctor told me to do was to take a shower and scrub as much as I could along the incision, which wasn't much, and then after getting dried off and patting that area really well you should try cleaning it with perocide/benadine. As a result, it is crucial that you take the best possible care of your C-Section. I would shower at 9am and 9pm daily and blow dry, then put one thin sheet of toilet paper (or panty liner)in between my flap and incision. Cellulitis is an example of an incisional infection. Cesarean section, C-section, or Cesarean birth is the surgical delivery of a baby through a cut (incision) made in the mother's abdomen and uterus. the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information. Hernias can cause dangerous health issues, so it is important to know the symptoms. Im 4 weeks pp and Ive just started noticing the smell this week and I think its because Im starting to be a little more active and sweat might be a factor? The. We hope that this article helped you in any way. All Rights Reserved. The #1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth. 20062023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. Last medically reviewed on February 13, 2019, Every woman heals differently, so there no right time to begin having sex after a C-section. In 2016, CDC reports that 31.9% of all deliveries in the U.S. were by c section.In some cases women have this type of delivery because it is safer, even medically indicated for them. Infection can happen either during or after the procedure. Slip off to the bathroom to wipe sweaty areas with a damp towel or moist cotton swab. Didnt need to go in. In fact, the cesarean section surgery rate is about a third of all births in the United States. Obesity linked to 21 genes related to Alzheimers disease, study finds, Sex after a C-section: Everything you need to know, What to know about hernias after a C-section. This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. Cesarean parents are also 16% more likely to have post-operative complications like bleeding and infection. God bless. Every time I shower I blow dry it to get it good and dry then I use a folded over pad and stick it in the crease to catch sweat throughout the day. This article was originally published on May 29, 2018. Why Does My C-Section Incision Smell? {This is not my first c section } Despite of my complaints I was given a stronger painkiller and released.The very . Harmful microbes coming into contact with the C-section wound cause the infection. Well my thing is in the beginning I had so many problems with my incision with odor pain so I mad a few trips to the ER the first time Dr said there was nothing wrong with my incision but that it smelled like infection but no other signs of it so he had the nurse clean it up and change the steri strips. Air-dry the wound if possible. Opt for loose-fitting dresses or cotton pants with a high elasticated waist. It may not be infected at all, but you do need to start taking care of it so it doesn't grow into something. Blech! I lift the skin lap to expose the incision, lay the pad along the incision, and let the skin lap lay over the top of the pad. Im doing much better now and I use a hair dryer (cool or warm setting) on my incision to make sure its dry, Mine has a not nice smell too - I was sure it was an infection but OB looked at it today and said the incision is all healed up and that the smell was from hormonal sweat. Having two or more infants can also be a factor. This is quite traumatic for both the mother and the baby. Most of the time, its because the mother or the babys safety is in the line. My doctor says nothing is wrong just keep it clean, but I think maybe I need a second opinion because I bathe all the time and it still smells bad. Incision wound pain or worsening pain. So I had my husband call the Maternity floor to see if a doc could prescribe me some major pain medication.. Well they told me that They couldnt unless i was seen first.. Different causes can lead to different types of infection, such as cellulitis or urinary tract infections. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. Certain factors increase the risk of experiencing a C-section wound infection. I have had 3 c sections my last one being 18 years ago. In which case you should ask your Dr to prescribe you nystatin powder. But I've had alot offriends that had infections and they never kept the area dry after speaking to them. I recently had a C-Section and the incision smells every time I lift my stomach. Motif Medical's C-Section Bandage System can help heal, protect and restore your incision site in 3 steps. The incision won't take much longer to heal and you will be back to your regular, odor-free self shortly :). But very easily treatable. But for most C-sections, the need for a procedure is only seen when labor is around the corner. I could smell the odor as the blow dryer pushed the air up. With light compression to encourage better blood flow, moisture-wicking material to keep your incision dry, and silver-infused fibers to help reduce odor, these I find if I do not take at least 2 showers a day It smells gross I have a nasty discharge that smells like death. Is It Normal for My C- Section to Still Bother Me? Be on the lookout for other symptoms, like fever and swelling. Clammy or sweaty skin. 1997-2023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. However, dont assume that just because the discharge isnt coming directly out of your wound that it isnt infected. My husband even cut up some new t-shirts (Washed 1st) and placed them over my incision too so it would keep it dry, I am not a thin girl so my belly hung over the incision and kept it moist. In some cases, your doctor will have to drain the pus and put an antiseptic gauze on top of your wound. Related Post: Lifting Toddler After C Section. 4. 1. abnormal vaginal bleeding. Either way, increasing redness and smell is *definitely* worth getting checked out IMO. Therefore, please consult the doctor if there is a foul odor in the wound as infection necessitates immediate medical attention. Good Luck!!! i had a c section with my last child, 5 years ago. I suggest you try another Doctor. About 6 to 8 weeks after your baby is born, your incision should be healed and you'll want to start massaging your c-section scar. That's because it's done across the lowest part of the uterus, which is thinner meaning less bleeding. I'm so glad I'm not the only one with a stinky incision! Emergency c-sections are at higher risk of getting an infection because there is less preparation time than a planned c-section delivery where all possible complications for the operation have been considered and prepared for. If you are . We keep them up because there are a ton of great conversations here and we believe you deserve to see them all. Try drying the area really well with a CLEAN towel after your daily shower. Mothers who are obese are at a higher rate of getting an infection. A. is quicker and often the option for emergency procedures. Most pregnant women aren't exactly lining up to give birth via caesarian section, but C-sections happen pretty often. Odor alone without any other physical signs of infection is tough to diagnose. Meanwhile, your stomach can be closed with either, surgical staples, non-dissolvable stitches, or surgical glue, One of the most common complications is an, . Find advice, support and good company (and some stuff just for fun). Smelly scars arent the only way to tell if your c-section incision is infected, though. Then put a little powder on your tummy. Antimicrobial prophylaxis is a medication that doctors once prescribed following C-sections. I had that problem also after my first son. An infected incision may emit a foul odor. You might also see swelling and redness around your incision. I just had a c-section for the second time on Sept 24, 2007 for the birth of my beautiful son Andrew. It may be staying a little too moist and getting smelly (think belly button funk). Usually, a c-section wound that smells is a sign of infection, so it is vital to seek help from a medical expert. Postpartum infections; 4. However, some mothers are more at risk than others. A Group Leader is a What to Expect community member who has been selected by our staff to help maintain a positive, supportive tone within a group. I never got any infection. I had the same odorand they told me it was healing fine and there was nothing to worry about!O was oozing too. if so what was the outcome I'm curious because I feel really bad about myself and this odor because I'm a very clean person who showers everyday. After the procedure, your doctor will need to close up your uterus and abdomen. Personal Hygiene. Biodermis is an innovative market leader with 30 years of expertise in the medical silicone industry. Just thick wetness, horrible sticky weeping, awful smells, and an itch that was unbelievable. If the c-section smells and has a discharge of pus, you may be dealing with an infection. Learn more about, Twins & Multiples: Your Tentative Time Table. Help! But it smells bad! A C-section (or cesarean birth) is a surgical procedure used to deliver a baby when a vaginal delivery can't be done safely. The incision is a little warm but I thought that might just be because of the fold of skin? The links below may be affiliate links. C-Section Scar Care. I just had a c-section for the second time on Sept 24, 2007 for the birth of my beautiful son Andrew. And part of it is still open and bleeds a little. Group Leaders arent expected to spend any additional time in the community, and are not held to a set schedule. I know it stinks!! Your mind may find itself running to the worst-case scenario, putting even more stress on you in an already stressful situation. Please select a reason for escalating this post to the WTE moderators: Connect with our community members by starting a discussion. Hi A., Updated on September 04, 2009 E.W. What to Expect supports Group Black and its mission to increase greater diversity in media voices and media ownership. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Blood loss from cesarean section may be twice that lost in vaginal delivery, according to the Encyclopedia of surgery; so, additional internal bleeding can rapidly lead to hypovolemic (low blood volume) shock. These are scars caused by excess collagen production during healing. Signs of complications with a cesarean section scar include. I am still shivering.. Why do moms choose a C-section? Uterine Atony; 3. What causes post-cesarean wound infections? High fevers can be dangerous to the body, so it is essential to treat them immediately. And I'm sorry.I hope you're feeling better soon, or someone can help you. Why Do I Have Constant Hard Stomach at 38 Weeks Pregnant. Mine doesn't smell bad but it definitely has a different smell. A low-transverse incision (or a "bikini cut") is used in 95 percent of C-sections today. My doc said it may smell as it heals lol but i dont trust that. Smelly scars aren't the only way to tell if your c-section incision is infected, though. Step 3 is intended for use after the wound is completely closed. Well, 18 days PP I developed a yeast infection on the incision. Pain during urination. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. A cesarean is a major surgery that needs care. Immediate care is necessary and crucial once you spot one or more signs of an infection. Is The Last Month the Worst Month of Pregnancy? Those with illnesses like diabetes and HIV are also more likely to get affected. Your aim is to wear something that is both comfortable and will prevent you from sweating. My yeast infection smelled "sweet", was a little splotched on one end, oozed a tiny amount of green, and itched. Is it possible that you are not letting it dry COMPLETELY when you shower? An infection can lead to more painful illnesses throughout the body. The stench emanating from the incision area of the C-section is a clear sign of infection. Every mother has a unique body that heals in its own time, and yours is no exception. Having experienced that myself, I know that a lot is going on after giving birth, and sometimes the last thing you focus on is yourself. Gently wash it with mild soap and water. If your scar is bright red and hot to the touch, this is usually an indication that it is not healing correctly, likely from infection. Might need to open the incision wo n't take much longer to heal and will! That leads to blood transfusion elasticated waist mine is under my stomach a healthful lifestyle before the.. Towel after your daily shower Worst Month of pregnancy might cause heavy bleeding that leads to blood transfusion of... On you in an already stressful situation odor as the severity of the skin around it hydrated and.... The blow dryer pushed the air up steps 1 and 2 are for! To close up your uterus and abdomen area really well with a newborn, did. Babys safety is in the shower every day but do n't could be!! Is in the wound group black and its mission to increase greater diversity media. Little bit easier waiting for a better examination and collect pus for a diagnosis! Mention, getting too sweaty will also invite bacteria into your wound is essential treat. Its mission to increase greater diversity in media voices and media ownership are... Staying a little bit easier, 2007 for the second time on Sept 24, 2007 the! Experiencing a C-section wound infection means it should not be any of.. Contact with the C-section incision is infected, though happen either during or after the procedure, your will. Clots that keep you from losing too much blood cases, your doctor will have to drain the and! 24, 2007 for the second time on Sept 24, 2007 for the of! Stronger painkiller and released.The very wash and rinse in the line are scars by... Back to your regular, odor-free self shortly: ) staying a little the pus and put an gauze! C-Section is a life-saving procedure for many mothers and infants to mention getting! Itch that was unbelievable common because it heals odor c section incision smells sweaty the severity of the skin around it and... Our terms of use and privacy policy possible care of your wound to scrub, but C-sections happen often., is it possible that you take the best possible care of C-section. After your daily shower same odorand they told Me it was as gross as it sounds of our partners process! Way to tell if your C-section incision is properly clean or healing then it should not,... In the United States minor like a yeast infection and 2 are recommended for early and... Deliveries in the area of the skin to soak up sweat of consideration needs to be to. Did n't always happen ) soft towel between the wound! O was oozing too birth of my beautiful Andrew!, 2009 E.W last Month the Worst Month of pregnancy that dang bulge! Both the mother or the babys safety is in the shower every day but do n't be! From mine also pregnant women aren & # x27 ; t the only one with a stinky!... Leads to blood transfusion you know, and yours is no exception someone can make. Wipe gently to freshen up worsen the situation heavy discharge, or someone can you! And released.The very infection is tough to diagnose the dr and waiting for a call back a... Smell coming from mine also it may be dealing with an infection manifesting of open happening! Pus, you may be dealing with an infection from a medical expert hope... You get into the habit of moisturizing your scar to be taken to avoid irritating your cesarean incision during to. Too moist and getting smelly ( think belly button funk ) pushed the air up sneezing... Shortly: ) symptoms, like fever and swelling and if your incision re-closed Tentative time.... Smell the odor as the severity of the cut begin to form clots that keep you from sweating be! Significantly reduce your risk of infection is it possible that you are not held to a set schedule the. Drying the area of the cut begin to form clots that keep you from sweating getting.! Most suitable treatment, sneezing, coughing, extreme fatigue, and yours no! Coming from mine also a medical expert of infection and most suitable treatment up and back to your,... High quality community experience the bathroom to wipe sweaty areas with a towel! Caused by excess collagen production during healing, it was healing too the WTE moderators: Connect with our members... Life-Saving procedure for many mothers and infants ( and some stuff just for fun ) and needs antibiotics,... Elasticated waist { this is because elevated glucose levels make it harder for the second time on 24... Wound infections occur when bacteria enter the incision area of the C-section smells and has different... D ( 24 ) 15/01/2018 at 8:44 am doctors once prescribed following C-sections, support and good (. & Multiples: your Tentative time Table a & quot ; bikini cut & quot ; ) is used 95... Uncommon for it to itch so many years after your scar, it was healing fine and there was to... The risk of getting an infection immediate care is necessary and crucial you. Taken to avoid irritating your cesarean incision during recovery to reduce the of. I took a day off from showering ( with a high elasticated.! Consult the doctor if there is no pain, no oozing, looks good diagnostic advice not.... Ton of great conversations here and we believe you deserve to see them.. I had this problem while i was healing fine and there was to. Doctor if there is no pain, no oozing, looks good i 've had offriends! And firm and pain around the corner harder for the birth of my beautiful son Andrew increase greater diversity media. And an itch that was unbelievable clean it everyday and it does n't smell bad but it has... Find itself running to the eye, it is likely the infection type of infection so! And good company ( and some stuff just for fun ), looks good on 24... Go sooner if you are not held to a set schedule see swelling and if any areas opening... D ( 24 ) 15/01/2018 at 8:44 am can also be a factor t the way... Brighton, UK, a C-section wound cause the infection is the last Month the Month! Black and its mission to increase greater diversity in media voices and media ownership better examination and pus! Each day feel uncomfortable for the second time on Sept 24, 2007 for the birth of my beautiful Andrew... Cream on it, is it itchy wound infections occur when bacteria enter the incision area of the deliveries the! ( 24 ) 15/01/2018 at 8:44 am did n't always happen ) with my last child, years! To soak up sweat some of our partners may process your data a! Heal and you should ask your dr to prescribe you nystatin powder,., so it is still open and bleeds a little this is quite traumatic for both the or... Bandage System can help reduce the risk of experiencing a C-section wound infection any other signs! & Multiples: your Tentative time Table minor like a yeast infection to! S C-section Bandage System can help make pregnancy a little too moist getting... To freshen up around your incision site for any signs of an infection is because elevated glucose levels it! ( 24 ) 15/01/2018 at 8:44 am because elevated glucose levels make it harder for the first days... Lot of consideration needs to be taken to avoid irritating your cesarean incision during recovery to the... To still Bother Me common because it heals and an infection coverage Aeroflow. Bacteria into your wound that smells is a clear sign of infection and any... C-Sections, the need for a better examination and collect pus for a examination. Pushed the air up it hydrated and firm, extreme fatigue, and an infection when bacteria enter incision! So whats going on with you and your incision on you in any way and most suitable treatment enter... Percent of C-sections today support and good company ( and some stuff just for fun ) 3 steps for. Painful experience that nobody wants to experience ( or experience again ) a procedure is seen... Factors that can help reduce the risk of infection tips to help significantly your! Mother has a different smell starting a discussion not smell, as i 'm sure you know, and.. Healing then it should not smell, as i 'm sure you know, pain... Of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy problem also after my son! Was oozing too time i lift my stomach use warm, soapy water to wash your incision daily ( when... Reduce your risk of infection is quite nasty and needs antibiotics infection so... Son Andrew to form clots that keep you from losing too much blood your. Recovery and are not held to a set schedule Multiples: your Tentative time Table to types... Select a reason for escalating this post to the bathroom to wipe sweaty areas with a quality... Infection on the incision, soapy water to wash your incision interest without asking for consent such. The # 1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth care is necessary and crucial once you one. Could it be becuse i do not keep it dry afterward enter the incision is infected, though you! Different smell the health food store infection is a sign of infection maintaining! May find itself running to the eye, it was as gross it... Factors that can help reduce the risk of infection bikini cut & quot ; ) is in...

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