Was is 'the norm' with lochia? (TMI)

[ASecretLemonadeDrinker]

DS was born 15 days ago and the blood loss slowed, with the odd gushes (nothing major) but yesterday it was heavier again and the colour of very gone off steak. I can't smell it unless I go right up to it and sniff (sorry) (but then I do have a sore throat so smell might be abit down) but when I do it really really smells. Smells like very very rotten meat - not fishy or anything, just horrid. I have been discharged from MW care now so have no one to just ask without the rigmarole of appointments etc. Does this sound normal? All I can find via google is about bright red blood (= slow down)

I know what you mean, mine smelt very "meaty" (so sorry!!!!) but I didn't recoil iykwim.

It may be some left over afterbirth that hasn't been expelled.

If it smells off, it probably is and you should see doc's before it gets infected. Last thing you need with a new littley!

I think you should see someone - I was always told that it should smell like normal period discharge. Very very rotten meat would be concerning me.

I'd call the labour ward - around here they're more than happy to talk to you up to 4 weeks after you give birth as they're probably more up to speed with problems in that time frame than most GPs. Worst case they'll redirect you but they may be able to help direct and/or may be able to give you leveage to get a faster appointment.

Fingers crossed there's nothing too major and you can get seen soon - and congrats on your DS

Mine slowed down very quickly then dribbled on with light bleeding for ages. Both times.

Definately had a very odd, not very nice, smell, not at all like period blood - I had no infections.

I am sure the MW is supposed to keep you for 28 days? I would still contact MW in first instance, as they know what is normal for the 'loss'.

For some people lochia lasts for several weeks, and if you think about it, t's all dead blood and tissue, so it probably is going to smell a bit gross. If you don't have any other symptoms (e.g. a temperature) you're probably OK. Just keep an eye on it.

With both DD1 and DD2 I was told that it shouldn't smell bad. If it smells bad then you should get checked out as it could be an infection.

With DD2 they suspected I had a shred of retained membrane as I was still having cramps at about 4 weeks (which isn't normal) and still having intermittent red blood (which isn't abnormal but is unusual) - I was given antibiotics as a precautionary measure and passed a small clot a few days later. But none of it smelt bad.

If it smells bad, please get it checked out.

I bled for about 6 weeks, and it varied between brown and red (when I was doing too much). It did smell but it was a natural, sort of earthy smell - I don't think I would have described it as being 'off'. Maybe worth calling your health visitor?