Bit of a gross question re. lochia

[McSnail]

Hi - I was wondering, does lochia have a smell? I had an emergency c-section a couple of weeks ago and there's recently been a distinct odour of rotting cabbage lingering around my nethers. Is this normal? I had some stitches up there due to a 'nick' during the failed forceps delivery preceding the c-section and I'm wondering if something horrid might be going on. Bleeding is very light now and nothing hurts, but the weird smell is bothering me. Maybe it's the pads I'm using, I dunno...

Any smell / concern you should mention to your midwife. May be nothing but why take a chance?

You're right. I assume it's not normal then?

Does your fanjo normally smell like rotting cabbage? My guess is no. Ring the midwife before it gets any worse.

Er no - I just wondered if it was the old blood...

Blood doesn't really smell much, even old blood. On the other hand, infections usually smell rotten. So I'd definitely ring your midwife asap, just to be sure.

Will do. Thanks all.

I do think lochia has a certain smell of death but yes, any worries then ask your midwife

Don't necessarily trust your midwife - ask your GP too! (I had two infections missed by my midwife although she was lovely in other ways...)

Just an update (I bet you're all thrilled!)

I think it was the pads - I used a different type from the ones I'd been using since hospital, and guess what? No rotting cabbage!
So - note to self. Do NOT buy Asda 'Freestyle Ultrasilk' towels ever again...

Was convinced my fanjita was rotting.

Thrilled for and your fanjita.

Anyone for cabbage?