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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

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Original poster

Gross question (sorry) about bleeding after had baby

15 replies

Flumpybumpy · 07/10/2006 12:16

Had my gorgeous DS two weeks ago today by emergency section. I am still bleeding quite heavily, how long does it last for?? I can't remember how long it lasted with DD (3 years ago and preg hormones )

Also, (this is the gross part) it smells really bad . I change the pad every time I go to the loo and am now showering up to three times a day, it's getting ridiculous. I am completely paranoid about this, can anyone help???

Again I apologies for TMI.

FB x

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

gigglinggoblin · 07/10/2006 12:19

think i would get that checked flumpy (nice name ). i bled for over 6 weeks but it didnt smell bad

congrats btw!

Kelly1978 · 07/10/2006 12:19

4-6 weeks for me. I wonder if you should get the smell checked out tho, it may be an infection.

LittleGlowormOfHorrors · 07/10/2006 12:21

mine lasted several weeks after my first section, and was quite heavy too. I took plenty of iron.

I cant remember when it stopped or eased off, it was definatly several weeks. I dont remember it smelling really bad, but I vaguely remember it smelling worse than regular period blood.

I was very luckly to have an excellent HV and she reasured me that I was totally fine. Why not ask hv or gp the next time you see them, just for peace of mind

pindy · 07/10/2006 12:29

Would get it checked out - just to be on the safe side. Ring NHS direct or your local hospital where you had the baby - congratulations on that - if it is an infection the sooner it is dealt with the better. The bleeding can go on for weeks, but no one is going to say you were daft just for ringing and checking. Also you will only worry which will not help either you or your ds.

Good luck, let us know how you get on.

ghosty · 07/10/2006 12:44

Hi Flumpy ... agree with others - get it checked. Bleeding is normal for a few weeks (IIRC it was about 5 weeks after my two sections) ... but I definitely don't remember it smelling bad ....
Sorry, but is it an offensive smell or just a period/blood type smell? If it is the latter than that would worry me ....
Also, what kind of bleeding is it? When DD was just over two weeks old I had some scary massive gushes of bleeding ... that were definitely more than just blood .... I had to have a scan and they found 'retained products' which is quite unusual after a c/section (considering they are supposed to 'hoover' you out a bit before they sew you up again - sorry if TMI). As I had had my c/s very recently they didn't want to do a D&C but they had me in hospital for 48 hours on IV antibiotics and observation. I was really worried about this as I was breastfeeding but they let me take DD with me, which solved that problem ....
It didn't smell though and although treated me with ABs they didn't think I had an infection in the end - it sorted itself out in the end.
HTH ....

Do get it checked out ....

ghosty · 07/10/2006 12:45

What I meant was, if it was the former (offensive smell) that would worry me ... not the latter ...
Must preview ...

Original poster

Flumpybumpy · 07/10/2006 12:48

ghosty, it is definitely an offensive smell. There only has to be a small amount and it is really horrible. My DH is being really kind and just moves away from me when I start to smell hence the three showers a day.

I will call the GP first thing Monday and get an appointment, I was concerned it might be an infection. I will also check on NHS Direct and see what they say.

FB x

OP posts:

PinkTulips · 07/10/2006 12:50

my PHN always asked about the smell, never how heavy it was or what colour just 'does it smell bad', it apparently can be a sign of infection so i'd definitely get it checked out asap

ghosty · 07/10/2006 13:05

Flumpy ... watch your temperature ... do you feel ill at all? Any fever? If you do, don't wait till Monday ... go to after hours or A&E - I mean it ... it really sounds like you have an infection and you could get really sick ...

pindy · 07/10/2006 13:07

Call NHS Direct now and see what they say - if you need to be seen and need antibiotics the sooner you get them the better.

Original poster

Flumpybumpy · 07/10/2006 13:11

NHS Direct have said to see the GP as soon as I can get an appointment.

I don't feel unwell or have a temperature, but will keep a close eye on it and DH has already told me he will take me to the walk-in centre at the hospital if I start feeling ill.

Thanks everyone.

FB x

OP posts:

FrannyandZooey · 07/10/2006 13:18

Poor you - mine smelt awful too, but the midwives said everything was fine and eventually it stopped. I did however have recurrent infections in my stitches so possibly that was the problem?

If you feel ok I would not rush to the doctor but ask at your next medical appointment?

pooka · 07/10/2006 13:18

I bledfor about 6 weeks after both vaginal deliveries. It did smell a bit whiffy - not like period blood IYSWIM. Hated it because I'm a tampon gal and using pads just made me feel ikky and unclean the whole time.

mummy115 · 08/10/2006 19:20

i bled heavily for months after 2nd child didnt smell tho so see doc/midwife.i had an infection and had terrible pain i could hardly walk it took 5mths for it to stop.docs did nothing though.

bananaloaf · 08/10/2006 19:24

i bled for 6 weeks with both dss. the second time i mentioned it at post natal check and was given a antibotic and whether design or coincidence it stopped.

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