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Original poster

2 weeks postpartum, noticeable foul smell?

22 replies

caggie3 · 10/02/2023 22:35

Sorry it's a bit grim but I'm 2 weeks post partum and I'm still bleeding (mix of red/brown) quite heavily. I had a c-section if that is relevant. But when I'm on the toilet or changing pads I've noticed quite a foul smell, thought it was just because lochia is a bit yuck. But I've noticed it today even with clothes on. My midwife said before that you'll know about it if you have an infection as it's a very distinct smell. I'd say it's noticeable but it's not distinct enough that I'm sure it's an infection.. so does that mean it isn't? I'm feeling a bit insecure about it and now it's the weekend I can't phone my GP. I've been discharged from the midwives a few days ago.

OP posts:
Babyenroute · 10/02/2023 22:37

I would give your triage a ring since it's within six weeks of the birth. I was in and out of triage for my blood pressure and they were super helpful, and are definitely the post partum experts.
Congratulations on your new baby!

DottyLittleRainbow · 10/02/2023 22:37

Call the maternity unit where you gave birth for advice. Infections after birth can rapidly become very serious if not treated.

allthepeaches · 10/02/2023 22:39

Yes definitely ring the triage number! Mine must have been sick of me but they were really helpful, got me seen and put my mind at rest

Sucessinthenewyear · 10/02/2023 22:41

Agree the previous posters. Do it now, don’t wait until the morning.

Original poster
caggie3 · 10/02/2023 22:46

Oh gosh really? Now not the morning? I've got a 3 year old in bed and a newborn asleep on me and I can't drive myself so everyone would have to come with! Blush

OP posts:
Whataretheodds · 10/02/2023 22:52

Yes, now.

BlueSeaWave · 10/02/2023 22:58

I think you do need to phone tonight if you’ve got a possible infection. Triage as people suggested and if they say its past their deadline then 111

windyarse · 10/02/2023 22:59

I had this and it was group b strep, don't waste any time getting checked

Raindancer411 · 10/02/2023 23:02

As others have said, call triage... They were really good with me when I had worried and called.

mackthepony · 10/02/2023 23:03

Yes, go. Sil had same thing, was retained placenta

mackthepony · 10/02/2023 23:04

Do you have a fever?

MaverickSnoopy · 10/02/2023 23:08

I had an infection and my GP diagnosed me with gastroenteritis. At the time my newborn had been admitted to hospital with an infection and so I just ploughed on through, until I fainted when with her and the consultant, who insisted I went to MAU for checking. Go to the maternity unit now because they will be the best people to help. It's very easy to be misdiagnosed.

IchLiebePudding · 10/02/2023 23:10

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IchLiebePudding · 10/02/2023 23:11

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This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the request of the author

HairyKitty · 10/02/2023 23:13

Lochia smells clean OP

Fluffyowl00 · 10/02/2023 23:13

Hmm. Doe it smell like an infection or does it smell like death? I had a c section and very much felt like I smelt of death for about a week. Do some other smells make you gag/ seem quite strong too (rotten food, milk, bins etc)?

I think mine might have been some weird hormone thing where I was absolutely revulsed by the lochia smell and other things which might harm my baby …people assured me I didn’t actually smell like that!

It went away in about a week.

whattodo22222 · 10/02/2023 23:19

I had a C section but my lochia didn't smell any different to normal menstrual blood...very faint smell, barely noticeable. Agree with PP that you should get checked out ASAP. Can you take an uber so that DC don't have to come?

I know post partum is such a crazy time but please look after yourself as well.

FebMama · 10/02/2023 23:23

Definitely worth getting checked out OP.

And snap, I'm almost 2 weeks (11 days to be exact) post partum (c section) with a 3 year old too! Hope you're getting on okay. 😊

allthepeaches · 11/02/2023 22:41

@caggie3
How are you?

Emmamoo89 · 11/02/2023 22:44

Definitely get checked x

BornBlonde · 11/02/2023 22:58

I've had two sections and no smell either time. I think you need to call your maternity unit now OP Flowers

KarenBradysHair · 12/02/2023 08:42

Hope you’re ok OP. I would also agree that you need to be checked over. You may have retained products (usually some placenta or membrane).

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