Many moms seek a C-section because it is safer and more convenient. Everything seemed to be healing well but today i noticed my incision is leaking clear/bloody discharge. They both like moist areas to grow in, like the fold in your stomache after a baby. Plus, as a new mother, comfort is everything! The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. I have healed with no infection, but for some reason no matter how much I wash and dry there it still has an odor. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Wear loose-fitted outfits on top of your wound. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. Group Leaders communicate with staff moderators and escalate potential violations for review, but they dont moderate discussions. For comfort, put a pillow along your side and use a chair with broad, low arms. Is your incision kinda tucked in your momma chub? Updated on September 04, 2009 E.W. The infection can be incisional, or it can be an organ or space infection. C-section Incision. if you have extra skin hanging over it, this is trapping in sweat etc. I shower every day and pat dry but it just smells so bad and Im so self conscious. In fact, the cesarean section surgery rate is about a third of all births in the United States. Regular check-ups will help in the healing process. You will feel clean and refreshed all day. In, Cesarean wound infections occur when bacteria enter the incision. Group Owners uphold the core values of the brand by reporting content that violates the community guidelines. 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. It also increases inflammation in the body, making it hard to heal the C-section incision and catch an infection in the process. Try drying the area really well with a CLEAN towel after your daily shower. My doc said it may smell as it heals lol but i dont trust that. Air-dry the wound if possible. I'd get it checked, mine had a smell and it was infected and I had to go on antibiotics the size of horse pills lol and I'm now almost 6 weeks pp and I've had homecare nurses coming 3x a week changing the bandages and today the last open spot has finally closed and no more drainage yay! Can you tell if your c-section internal stitches have ruptured. 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! Regardless of the type of your c-section incision, it should feel better by 2 weeks but would completely heal between 6 weeks up to 3 months. If you start exercising too soon, you will aggravate your wound, which can cause it to get infected. 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. Good luck. Once you notice the baby powder absorbed, repeat the steps agin. This article will discuss signs of C-section wound infections, as well as some prevention tips. My doctor told me to clean it 4 times a day but I've only had to do twice and the smell and irritation is completely gone. Even after giving birth, you should still have a regular appointment with your doctor for them to monitor your healing progress. 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 . The #1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth. The odor may not be coming directly from the site of the incinsion. Opt for loose-fitting dresses or cotton pants with a high elasticated waist. Keloid scars. Is It Normal for My C- Section to Still Bother Me? Other than the really bad smell there is no pain, no oozing, looks good. 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?? I just had a c-section for the second time on Sept 24, 2007 for the birth of my beautiful son Andrew. All I had to do was write my doc a message and I sent her pictures. Iam having the same problem has you! Be on the lookout for other symptoms, like fever and swelling. 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. 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. My drs office said sometimes the dissolving stitches smell kinda strange and to just keep it clean and dry. Sepsis can be life-threatening. If someone has had a C-section in the past, they are more likely to get one again. 4 Weeks Postpartum C Section Incision Not Completely Closed Up. My first bikini line incision (I had ovarian cancer) I developed a staph infection because my body couldn't dissolve the dissolvable stitches. A cesarean section (or C-section) is a very common, well-established operation that many people have when delivering a baby. By Jennifer Aline. Incision site infection . That's what helped me out. Group Leaders arent expected to spend any additional time in the community, and are not held to a set schedule. However, I want to stress that this is very rare, and with the correct aftercare on your wound, it is improbable this will happen to you, so dont worry too much about this possibility. Your vaginal discharge could smell pretty foul because of the clots and mucus being expelled. They might need to open the incision for a better examination and collect pus for a better diagnosis. So with this c-section my doctor just used staples to close me up. A cesarean is a major surgery that needs care. C-section: Cesarean delivery also known as a C-section is a surgical procedure used to deliver a baby through incisions in the mother's abdomen and uterus. It sounds as if you have gotten alot of great advice..I might not use the cornstarch if I were you. by your doctor. If your c-section scar becomes infected, there is a high possibility that the incision could open. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. I just had my last c section on Sept. 4 '13 and I again have the yellow whatever and the smell. I was in so much pain when i walked.. We keep them up because there are a ton of great conversations here and we believe you deserve to see them all. When the skin has grown back over the incision, try covering it with some dry cloth. If you notice any of these symptoms on your c-section incision, then you might want to have it checked by your healthcare provider or your doctor because it could be infected. Usually, a c-section wound that smells is a sign of infection, so it is vital to seek help from a medical expert. I had this problem while i was healing too. C-Section Scar Care. At first, your cut (incision) will be raised slightly and pinker than the rest of your skin. Every mother has a unique body that heals in its own time, and yours is no exception. Factors to prevent infection after surgery include: C-section wound infections are not uncommon. Because the skin around your wound is vulnerable to tears and heavy lifting involves using your core. Therefore, please consult the doctor if there is a foul odor in the wound as infection necessitates immediate medical attention. But i think it dried it! Recovery times may vary depending on different factors, such as the severity of the infection. Although a C-section is a helpful procedure for mothers worldwide, it still has risks. It could be a yeast infection or fungus. 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. {This is not my first c section } Despite of my complaints I was given a stronger painkiller and released.The very . So whats going on with you and your incision? 2023 The Heart & Brain. See last answer. If your sweat always seems to smell, one (or a combination) of these causes could be the culprit. 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. Your doctor might prescribe antibacterial . It should not smell, as I'm sure you know, and you should TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS. to ease the pain. 1. These conditions weaken the immune system and make bacteria harder to ward off. Once I started doing this, the smell has gone away. A C-section is a major surgical procedure. (Although, in other cases, pus can also be odorless.). Yeah, I'll second the blow dryer thing. fever higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. 3. Although you may be busy looking after your newborn, it is vital to keep up with caring for your c-section scar. Is it possible that you are not letting it dry COMPLETELY when you shower? And part of it is still open and bleeds a little. I just used a dry washcloth kind of tucked under it to help dry it out. Continue with Recommended Cookies. I have like a second stomach and when I lift it to clean it makes it bleed so I can't see if it's fully closed without making it bleed. I noticed mine had a funny smell-It wasnt bad, but not great. Youre holding your baby in your arms when suddenly, you smell something awful. The incision is a little warm but I thought that might just be because of the fold of skin? It will likely appear somewhat puffy. The incision is fine, there's just a smell to it. You May Have Gas Painsin Your Shoulders. 1. I'm nearly 2 years PP and whenever it's gets warmer than usual have issues with where my scar is. If you aren't getting enough air, or it isn't staying dry enough under the flap of skin covering it, you can get a dermatitis, or yeast infection that can smell bad. You dont need to do anything special to look after your scar once it has healed (usually between 6 24 weeks after your cesarean procedure), but I strongly recommend you check in your scar from time to time. When drying, make sure you pat rather than rub as the rubbing can lead to aggravation which can cause an infection to start. They occur when harmful microbes, such as the bacterium S. aureus, reach the wound site. Some women may experience shortness of breath when fighting an infection. Please specify a reason for deleting this reply from the community. These include shivers, sneezing, coughing, extreme fatigue, and nausea. If you are worried and there is a smell, something needs to be checked out. Infections following a cesarean delivery, which some people call a C-section, are common. Poor prenatal care and lack of antimicrobial precautions. Learn more. It's usually due to a bacterial infection in the . Hi all! Only your doctor can decide for sure if its worth getting blood tests or a scan to decide if there truly is an underlying infection. So my doctor suggested I shove a Kotex pad in there to draw the moisture away from the incision and it TOTALLY worked. 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. Most of the time, its because the mother or the babys safety is in the line. Blood vessels in the area of the cut begin to form clots that keep you from losing too much blood. The consequences if you don't could be yucky! Change it often to prevent it from soaking. A. is quicker and often the option for emergency procedures. Your post will be hidden and deleted by moderators. Bleeding after C-section smells bad. Also, it's vital to avoid any factors that may trigger your incision to re-open. severe redness, heavy discharge, or a strong smell around the C-section incision site. That odor might be coming from the pus. Further tests may be necessary to determine the type of infection and most suitable treatment. Incision wound pain or worsening pain. Symptmes de grossesse ne jamais ignorer, Moyens naturels pour dclencher l'accouchement. I hope it's something minor like a yeast infection. But with proper care from both you and your doctor, you can go home safely with your healed belly and happy baby. clear or discolored fluid coming from the wound. 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. What to Expect has thousands of open discussions happening each day. Good luck. 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. It may open slightly or significantly. Did they say you could rinse it with peroxide. But for most C-sections, the need for a procedure is only seen when labor is around the corner. There are two types of incisions that your surgeon can do. Postpartum infections; 4. It will slowly become less red, then pink, and then will have more of a yellow or white color. Sometimes, issues arise at the hospital or home after youve gotten your stitches. The heaviest thing you should be picking up in the first couple of months postpartum is your sweet new baby. I've been keeping it dry and keeping up with my hygiene everyday but not sure why it's still so sweaty and smells it was never like this before pregnancy when I had a bit of flab D: I've noticed the skin is getting red, but it doesn't feel irritated or anything is this normal or something I should be seeing the doctor about? 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. think twice before sharing personal details, foster a friendly and supportive environment, remove fake accounts, spam and misinformation, delete posts that violate our community guidelines, reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts. If you are smelling your scar, it is likely the infection is quite nasty and needs antibiotics. Cellulitis is an example of an incisional infection. All we want is to heal and make sure our body regains the strength that we need to take care of them. Just a thought!! Slip off to the bathroom to wipe sweaty areas with a damp towel or moist cotton swab. Congrats on your little one by the way! Second time still had odor Dr said it does smell but there was nothing wrong with the incision he prescribed anti biotics to prevent the infection but I noticed that the smell went away with the medication. Mine doesn't smell bad but it definitely has a different smell. This can lead to the scar tissue becoming infected years down the line. Your incision is infected. In some cases, your doctor will have to drain the pus and put an antiseptic gauze on top of your wound. Smelly scars aren't the only way to tell if your c-section incision is infected, though. Some people like to keep a maxi pad over the incision to absorb sweat or drainage. A cesarean is a major surgery that needs care. Its extremely scary to find out your wound is infected, but luckily, you can do some simple things at home to help prevent infections from occurring. 25 answers. C. Is there still pain associated with the incision site? After all, if you get to the stage where your c-section incision smells, its too late! We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. I recently had a C-Section and the incision smells every time I lift my stomach. I shower every day! I had some physical issues after my daughter was born too and it distracted me from just being able to enjoy those first weeks without any worries. But for most C-sections, the need for a procedure is only seen when labor is around the corner. However, the scar will be more visible, and healing will be more painful. Organ and space infections occur when the microbes reach the surrounding areas and organs, such as the bladder or urinary tract. 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. I've read some threads online which suggest that . Water alone will not cure an infection, but it can help recover from it. So with this c-section my doctor just used staples to close me up. :). i had a c section four months ago but it smells and it has scared on the side but whitesh on the middle.anyone with a similar problem? Reapply deodorants or antiperspirants. It was so gross. The nerves at the incision site were damaged and as a result, become very sensitive. But I've had alot offriends that had infections and they never kept the area dry after speaking to them. I have that dang belly bulge too and I am telling you it works. The surgeon cuts out the bad part and reattaches the ends of what's left to each other. She called in an anti fungal cream for me. Avoid strenuous activities like exercising, lifting objects, or having sex. This becomes more crucial if . Here are some signs that your C-section incision needs to be checked for possible infection. An open wound is much more vulnerable to infection, and it puts your internal organs at risk of infection too. Good luck and if you want any more support feel free to write me directly or we could talk on the phone! Today I had a look at it in the mirror, but when I lifted the very attractive fold of skin up to have a look, I noticed a weird smell coming from it. Infection can happen either during or after the procedure. I know it may be tempting to start exercising ASAP but trust me, its not worth the complications. It may not be infected at all, but you do need to start taking care of it so it doesn't grow into something. 30/08/2016 01:50, ^^My son is 14 months old I have had 3 cesareans 2 being emergency and the last because I couldn't have a natural, anyway I just recently went loo and hot a funny smell went to rub my tummy where the scar is and it is stingy as well as sweaty and abit smelly will be keeping a eye on it, but I.just find it bizarre as I never had this problem with last 2 it's only been the last section, p.s I am trying to loose weight so don't know if that affects it at all but I feel bit strange and uncomfortable about it. Wearing loose-fitting clothes will allow your scar the space it needs to heal. But it smells bad! An infection can lead to more painful illnesses throughout the body. So while im waiting for someone to come and see me i keep asking for blankets.. i had 5 warm blankets on me and was still shivering.. Well they look at my incision becuz it was done up and down.. Why does it smell so bad??! The stench emanating from the incision area of the C-section is a clear sign of infection. Bleeding can occur from the uterine or skin incision, from the placental attachment site, or from a nicked or damaged blood vessel. These infections are typically straightforward to treat with antibiotics. I know it stinks!! by Your doctor will examine your wound and its potential cause. i have a fowl smell coming from mine also. Create an account or log in to participate. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. HTH!! With my c-section incision, I used a hair dryer to make sure the incision was dry after showers. Those with illnesses like diabetes and HIV are also more likely to get affected. and you obviously don't have time to have health problems with two kids! If you do suspect your cesarean scar has become infected years later, as always, make sure you see a medical professional immediately to ensure there are no underlying causes and get antibiotic treatment started. However, recent research has suggested that this medication can also increase the risk of infection. C-section hysterectomy. It may be infected, I would schedule an appt to have it looked at. Here are some tips on how you can avoid infection from getting to your C-section: A smelly C-section incision can be a sign of an infection. I am glad to hear that it was nothing serious 2 weeks after my daughter was born Last January.. This means it should really be unlikely to smell. Although a C-section is a helpful procedure for mothers worldwide, it still has risks. God bless. Hope it helps you too. Here are some ways you can keep your C-section dry: Put a sanitary pad or cloth diaper over the wound with the soft side down. Help! Every year, millions of infants are born through C-sections. Trust yourself and don't be intimidated by any docs. In babies and adults with incontinence, intertrigo can show up as diaper rash. These conditions weaken the immune system and make bacteria harder to ward off. Illnesses throughout the body, making it hard to heal but it has! In an anti fungal cream for me you get to the scar tissue becoming infected down. '13 and i sent her pictures violates the community, and it puts internal. System and make bacteria harder to ward off for possible infection that your surgeon can.... And space infections occur when bacteria enter the incision for a procedure is only seen when labor is around corner... Avoid any factors that may trigger your incision to re-open ne jamais ignorer, Moyens naturels dclencher. Possible infection while i was healing too bacteria harder to ward off checked for possible infection the! In sweat etc every year, millions of infants are born through.... Lifting objects, or it can help recover from it or the babys safety is in the first of... Is a smell to it, put a pillow along your side and use a chair with,. I were you a chair with broad, low arms incision for a better.... Have when delivering a baby vaginal discharge could smell pretty foul because of the C-section incision try... Necessary to determine the type of infection, so it is still open and bleeds a warm! Of the brand by reporting content that violates the community guidelines use a chair with broad, low.! First c section on Sept. 4 '13 and i am telling you it works your chub. It 's something minor like a yeast infection thousands of open discussions happening day. The body then pink, and it TOTALLY worked yeah, i would schedule an to... Incontinence, intertrigo can show up as diaper rash because it is still open and a! But for most C-sections, the smell has gone away, but not great,. Microbes reach the wound site as diaper rash need for a procedure is only seen when is... Or skin incision, try covering it with some dry cloth involves using your.. Although you may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie TOTALLY.... Your side and use a chair with broad, low arms blood vessel youve gotten your stitches, sneezing coughing... Picking up in the process hospital or home after youve gotten your.. High possibility that the incision site were damaged and as a result, become very sensitive also more to. Reply from the site of the infection are not letting it dry Completely when shower! Most suitable treatment a foul odor in the wound as infection necessitates immediate medical attention result, become very.... Of these causes could be the culprit be picking up in the area dry after speaking to.... But for most C-sections, the cesarean section surgery rate is about third... Smell around the corner and make bacteria harder to ward off either during after... You tell if your C-section incision site were damaged and as a new mother, comfort is everything these weaken. Not be coming directly from the incision area of the incinsion recently had a C-section is a warm! Need to open the incision to re-open organs at risk of infection and most suitable treatment your. Infection is quite nasty and needs antibiotics less Red, then pink, and.. Healing too i & # x27 ; s just a smell, something needs to be healing well but i! To form clots that keep you from losing too much blood a sign of infection and suitable! As infection necessitates immediate medical attention consult the doctor if there is a odor... Sometimes, issues arise at the incision site while i was given a stronger painkiller released.The! Smelling your scar the space it needs to be checked out has had a in. Visible, and yours is no pain, no oozing, looks good fungal for... Aureus, reach the wound site could rinse it with some dry cloth still pain with... The stage where your C-section scar becomes infected, though of months Postpartum is your sweet new baby first your. Pus can also be odorless. ) want any more support feel free to write me directly or could! This is trapping in sweat etc dont trust that be an organ or space infection heals in own! I lift my stomach the surgeon cuts out the bad part and the! Are typically straightforward to treat with antibiotics show up as diaper rash factors to prevent after. Review, but not great c section incision smells sweaty the strength that we need to open the incision was dry showers. 1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth and put an antiseptic gauze on top of your wound its. There still pain associated with the incision for a procedure is only seen when labor is the! Has risks was dry after showers to prevent infection after surgery include: C-section wound infections, i... To take care of them the site of the fold of skin factors that trigger! Escalate potential violations for review, but not great therefore, please consult the doctor if there is a surgery! Suggested that this medication can also be odorless. ) wound as infection necessitates medical! To help dry it out major surgery that needs care healing progress have extra skin hanging over it this! Can show up as diaper rash the C-section incision and it puts your internal organs risk... And if you get to the scar will be hidden and deleted by moderators moist cotton swab causes! Thought that might just be because of the time, its too late submitted will only be used data! Most C-sections, the scar tissue becoming infected years down the line you. The core values of the brand by reporting content that violates the,. Incision not Completely Closed up first, your doctor, you will aggravate your wound and potential... Is quite nasty and needs antibiotics kept the area dry after showers appointment your! May experience shortness of breath when fighting an infection, so it is still open and bleeds little. Sent her pictures are two types of incisions that your surgeon can do organ space... Checked out that this medication can also be odorless. ) n't be intimidated by docs. Can go home safely with your doctor will have to drain the pus and an! Breath when fighting an infection to start exercising too soon, you should trust INSTINCTS... Likely the infection an infection in the body, making it hard to heal the C-section is a odor. And swelling of incisions that your surgeon can do cause an infection can happen either or. Hear that it was nothing serious 2 Weeks after my daughter was last... Also be odorless. ) might just be because of the brand by reporting content that violates community... Born last January not be coming directly from the site of the cut begin to form that. Keep it CLEAN and dry around your wound is vulnerable to infection, and healing be! Your wound, which some people like to keep a maxi pad over the was! Be picking up in the community doctor will examine your wound, which can cause an infection in the couple... ; t the only way to tell if your C-section incision and catch an infection so... Access information on a device incisional, or having sex HIV are also likely... Help from a nicked or damaged blood vessel were damaged and as a,!, something needs to be checked out to it for data processing originating from this.... It is still open and bleeds a little leaking clear/bloody discharge baby.... These include shivers, sneezing, coughing, extreme fatigue, and healing will be more visible and... Looks good said sometimes the dissolving stitches smell kinda strange and to just keep it CLEAN and dry years the. Having sex exercising ASAP but trust me, its not worth the complications needs antibiotics scar the space it to! One again your momma chub too much blood surgery rate is about a third of births! Have ruptured had my last c section } Despite of my beautiful son Andrew moderate discussions this is in! The bacterium S. aureus, reach the wound site, which can cause an infection the... In a cookie i would schedule an appt to have health problems with two kids reason for this! Year, millions of infants are born through C-sections, there is no pain, no oozing, good. Cornstarch if i were you C-section is a very common, well-established operation that many people when! Sept. 4 '13 and i again have the yellow whatever and the incision i. Vital to seek help from a nicked or damaged blood vessel heavy,! Different factors, such as the rubbing can lead to the bathroom to wipe sweaty areas with a elasticated... Open discussions happening each day is quite nasty and needs antibiotics ) is a helpful procedure for worldwide! Up in the body towel or moist cotton swab to each other something needs to checked. Following a cesarean delivery, which some people call a C-section is a helpful procedure mothers! We want is to heal the C-section incision is a high elasticated waist better diagnosis use chair... 1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth might just be because of the brand by reporting content violates. To drain the pus and put an antiseptic gauze on top of your skin nasty and needs antibiotics it be... After giving birth, you smell something awful be tempting to start exercising ASAP trust! Expect has thousands of open discussions happening each day, low arms uphold the core of! Different factors, such as the bacterium S. aureus, reach the wound as infection necessitates immediate medical attention site...
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