Good luck and if you want any more support feel free to write me directly or we could talk on the phone! 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! However, some mothers are more at risk than others. Fever-like symptoms and inflammation around a cesarean delivery, or C-section, wound could be signs of infection. It will slowly become less red, then pink, and then will have more of a yellow or white color. Try using an over the counter fungus cream for a couple of days and see if it helps. It may not be infected at all, but you do need to start taking care of it so it doesn't grow into something. Here are some signs that your C-section incision needs to be checked for possible infection. This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. It was updated on January 24, 2021 by Ashley Wehrli. What should I do if my c-section incision opens? They are also 30% more likely to require reoperation. It will likely appear somewhat puffy. It is tearing in a past C-section scar or uterine muscles that can be life-threatening to the mother or baby. It can take up to 30 days for symptoms to develop. C-section Incision. That odor might be coming from the pus. Signs of an infected C-section incision include: Redness around the incision. You might find it hard to bend over to sniff your abdomen, thanks to your scar tissue tightening the skin near your hips. But even if you dont want to get out of bed, you will still need to look after your incision wound. Neglect from doctors and hospital staff can also lead to an infection. Scar after 3 years, and i have been told by a nurse to try sudocreme as it is antiseptic and a good healing cream. Steps 1 and 2 are recommended for early recovery and are often covered by insurance (check your coverage through Aeroflow Breastpumps). But be careful of medicines like. Abnormal swelling around the incision. Meet other parents of July 2018 babies and share the joys and challenges as your children grow. Is it possible that you are not letting it dry COMPLETELY when you shower? One of the most common complications is an infection. Mothers who are obese are at a higher rate of getting an infection. Good luck. Intertrigo Symptoms. The rule of thumb is to always ask your doctor first. Diflucan (you need a prescription) 200mg on the first day, then 100mg per day until symptoms are gone 2. These include shivers, sneezing, coughing, extreme fatigue, and nausea. My guess then is a bit of yeast infection. Find advice, support and good company (and some stuff just for fun). A foul smell coming from the incision site. 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. Production of excess collagen also causes this type . ), are at a higher rate of getting an infection. Its probably infected mine was after my first c section and I just had to put antibiotic cream on it, Is it itchy? If you are not doing something right or your C-section incision is infected, they could prevent more serious complications. Keloid scars. Personal Hygiene. Blood loss from cesarean section may be twice that lost in vaginal delivery, according to the Encyclopedia of surgery; so, additional internal bleeding can rapidly lead to hypovolemic (low blood volume) shock. 2005-2023Everyday Health, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? if you have extra skin hanging over it, this is trapping in sweat etc. Empowering Your Family to Thrive in Life's Journey. Well I went to the Dr's and everything was fine my incision is 100% healed and the odor well as most have said it is in fact the extra flab hanging over and it has trapped air so now I know what to do :) but thank you again everyone I feel so much better. In some cases, your doctor will have to drain the pus and put an antiseptic gauze on top of your wound. I had that problem also after my first son. Despite the fact that this is a very common occurrence, new mothers may worry about their C-section scar becoming wet due to excessive sweating after giving birth. When overweight women have a c-section, a moist environment is created as the belly hangs over the incision area. You can use aloe vera gel or Vitamin E oil and massage the incision site as well as the area around it. I shower daily but I also still have night sweats almost every night. Women who had at least one Cesarean are 50% more likely to need a hysterectomy later in life than those who only had vaginal births. Period. This is what's makes the smell. Good Luck! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Most pregnant women aren't exactly lining up to give birth via caesarian section, but C-sections happen pretty often. But it smells bad! Every mother has a unique body that heals in its own time, and yours is no exception. Trust yourself and don't be intimidated by any docs. Bleeding after C-section smells bad. There are two types of incisions that your surgeon can do. But while a C-section is generally safe, it can still have complications during and after the procedure. Your body is doing what is should to fight off any infection! Make sure it's the powder and not the cream or ointment as the these are too oclusive and will only worsen the situation. Continue with Recommended Cookies. If the incision is red/and or is burning it could be infected. You may have noticed a common thread in c-section aftercare by now. Anyway, a c-section is obviously a much more serious surgery so I don't know if it could have something to do with the stitches or if it is just flat out infected. I had this problem while i was healing too. Here is a list of some things you could do to make sure your C-section wound heals as soon as your body would allow it: The postpartum period is probably one of the most challenging times as a mother, and we just want to recover and feel ourselves again. In both cases, go to the emergency room to get your incision re-closed. HTH! I have seen this many times with Cesarean Section incisions and this is how i would treat them: 1. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. I was told to do this by other people that had c-sections and I never had problems. Congrats on the baby! Poor prenatal care and lack of antimicrobial precautions can lead to potential issues. All Day Parenting Help! That's what helped me out. will be above the pubic area, so its easier to hide. Do not ignore this symptom. The woman is being cut open in her stomach, in her uterus, and then a baby is taken out. All we want is to heal and make sure our body regains the strength that we need to take care of them. If properly cleaned regularly, your scar should not smell bad or look red. Avoid tight shirts, leggings, or underwear that can rub and irritate your incision. Not to mention, getting too sweaty will also invite bacteria into your wound, which can also create an infection. Why Does My C-Section Incision Smell? My body treated them like a foreign body and a couple months after my surgery my incision reopened a bit and my body actually pushed a few stitch knots out. To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account. 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. Breastfeeding positions that work well during C-section recovery include: Football hold. Why Do I Have Constant Hard Stomach at 38 Weeks Pregnant. I have healed with no infection, but for some reason no matter how much I wash and dry there it still has an odor. Group Leaders arent expected to spend any additional time in the community, and are not held to a set schedule. And heres another smelly symptom: you might find foul-smelling vaginal discharge when your incision is infected. I hope it's something minor like a yeast infection. With having the extra weight on it was hard to keep it dry, she said it was like having a yeast infection, So She told me to get "Jock Itch cream and put on the incision, Or Corn Starch. Please whitelist our site to get all the best deals and offers from our partners. i have a fowl smell coming from mine also. and you obviously don't have time to have health problems with two kids! You will feel clean and refreshed all day. Prevention is always better than cure. There are no two ways about it. is a life-saving procedure for many mothers and infants. The wound coming into contact with bacteria or other harmful microbes is a common cause of these infections. 2022511. Infection can happen to anybody. 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. I had the same thing with the little flab that hung over!!!lol! But the smell isnt the only sign of infection down there. Mine doesn't smell bad but it definitely has a different smell. But definitely get checked out it's not worth the risk, honestly I have a belly that hangs over my incision and it was hard to get into it to clean it, so it smelled so bad bur got it checked multiple times and it wasn't infected. Further tests may be necessary to determine the type of infection and most suitable treatment. 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.. 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. If you opt in above we use this information send related content, discounts and other special offers. There is no need to scrub, but we highly recommend patting it dry afterward. {This is not my first c section } Despite of my complaints I was given a stronger painkiller and released.The very . A Group Owner is a member that has initiated the creation of a group to connect with other members to share their journey through the same pregnancy & baby stages. 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. the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information. I put it down to how my c section pouch basically completely flops over it (sorry.sounds gross) making it hot which would make sense . 0. That's because it's done across the lowest part of the uterus, which is thinner meaning less bleeding. She said to keep it really dry so I dont develop a rash and just accept that itll go away once my hormones stabilize. It sounds as if you have gotten alot of great advice..I might not use the cornstarch if I were you. severe abdominal pain. Wear loose-fitted outfits on top of your wound. This will usually require taking a sample from the wound and sending it to a laboratory for analysis. This means it should really be unlikely to smell. Once you notice the baby powder absorbed, repeat the steps agin. Updated on September 04, 2009 E.W. And part of it is still open and bleeds a little. I know it stinks!! Intertrigo is characterized by a rash that is intensely red, macerated (wet and soft), and glistening, with scaling on the edges. This is also a result of the bacteria that cause the above-mentioned abscesses, resulting in a condition called endometritis. Severe breast pain. Motif Medical's C-Section Bandage System can help heal, protect and restore your incision site in 3 steps. In some cases, clear fluid may also seep out of the wound. Why does it smell so bad??! I have had three c sections but my second one didn't fully close for a year and a half and had a nasty smell. Try drying the area really well with a CLEAN towel after your daily shower. However, it is important to . Go sooner if you feel unwell or incision looks red/hot. The rash extends just beyond where opposing skin folds overlap. Is The Last Month the Worst Month of Pregnancy? Health care providers use it when they believe it is safer for the mother, the baby, or both. This procedure is used for many reasons, including prolonged labor, high-risk pregnancy, large babies, multiples, fetal distress, breech presentation, a previous cesarean . Learn more about the connection between C-sections and endometriosis, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Why Do My C-Section Scar Smell? If symptoms do develop, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible for guidance on the best treatment. However, dont assume that just because the discharge isnt coming directly out of your wound that it isnt infected. I began washing with hibicleanse and it cleared right up almost immediately. Hi all! 1. Dr. Brian Enggano answered. That was last week and the smell has lessened considerably.I just keep it clean, and I put a pantyliner against it in my undies to absorb any moisture. Incisional endometriosis is rare. so i dont know if that is normal or not i wish i knew if that was or not i hope u can answer my question for me! If you're prone to skipping showers or not brushing your teeth, your body odor could quickly spiral out of control. In the US, 1 out of 3 mothers delivers their babies through cesarean. abdominal discomfort. 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. Before my shower, I wash the incision site. But for most C-sections, the need for a procedure is only seen when labor is around the corner. You may have a bacterial infection or unterin infection that is common when you've had a csection. Smells coming from your wound should never be ignored, no matter how minor you think they are. Works great. So whats going on with you and your incision? I find if I do not take at least 2 showers a day It smells gross I have a nasty discharge that smells like death. abnormal swelling, redness, and pain around the wound. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. What my doctor told me to do was to take a shower and scrub as much as I could along the incision, which wasn't much, and then after getting dried off and patting that area really well you should try cleaning it with perocide/benadine. Wound odor, also referred to as malodor, is typically the result of necrotic tissue or bacterial colonization in the wound bed. A Group Leader is a What to Expect community member who has been selected by our staff to help maintain a positive, supportive tone within a group. You should also try to air out the area as much as possible and stick gauze by the incision during the day to wick any moisture away. Hardening, swelling, or bulging of the incision site. You should not have a smell, please follow up. Ok so my last C-section was about 11 years ago, but here in the last month maybe 2 I have had a lump underneath my scar that is constantly leaking fluid. Signs of complications with a cesarean section scar include. For a convenient scar care solution on the go, try Pro-Sil silicone stick, which comes in an easy-to-use glide-on applicator. All rights reserved. Hi A., When Do Pregnancy Symptoms Start and What to Look For, Cooking While Pregnant: 10 Tips to Reach Your Nutritional Needs, When Do Babies Outgrow Changing Table: Should You Buy A Changing Table. Antimicrobial prophylaxis is a medication that doctors once prescribed following C-sections. Please read my disclosure policy for more information. When our body fights infections, we get a host of flu-like symptoms. If you know there is something wrong, keep persevering until some doctor believes you and figures it out! Postpartum infections; 4. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. I too had an odor with my c-section. I'm so glad I'm not the only one with a stinky incision! If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. This care should include: Do: Keeping the area dry and clean. In some cases, your doctor will have to drain the pus and put an antiseptic gauze on top of your wound. Different causes can lead to different types of infection, such as cellulitis or urinary tract infections. With your open hand, support your baby's head and face him or her toward your breast. Wearing too tight clothes can pull on the weakened scar tissue, leading to your incision opening and an infection manifesting. I'm nearly 2 years PP and whenever it's gets warmer than usual have issues with where my scar is. Just a thought!! If it's red and malodorous in the skin fold, it could be a superficial infection like yeast (would also be red and spotted). . Meanwhile, your stomach can be closed with either, surgical staples, non-dissolvable stitches, or surgical glue, One of the most common complications is an, . In fact, the cesarean section surgery rate is about a third of all births in the United States. The incision is fine, there's just a smell to it. Too much force on your body can force your wound to re-open. It can either be administered through IV or taken orally. Blood vessels in the area of the cut begin to form clots that keep you from losing too much blood. Avoid alcohol, caffeinated beverages and spicy foods, as they increase perspiration, notes MedlinePlus 2. Avoid strenuous activities like exercising, lifting objects, or having sex. 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. Now all thats left to do is focus on your new job as a mom! Anonymous. Those with illnesses like diabetes and HIV are also more likely to get affected. 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. The #1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth. Purple vegetables and tubers may have superior anti-diabetic properties. But for most C-sections, the need for a procedure is only seen when labor is around the corner. But with proper care from both you and your doctor, you can go home safely with your healed belly and happy baby. 25 answers. These include: There are also factors relating to the C-section surgery itself that can raise the risk of infection, such as a longer surgery time. My incision finally healed and after a couple of days it stopped smelling. You said you had pain and odor then was medicated and it went away..I think that when you see your original surgeon and not those overworked er docs you will get a definitive DX. I could smell the odor as the blow dryer pushed the air up. That odor might be coming from the pus. Doctors usually advise waiting at least 6 weeks, however, An incisional hernia is a rare complication of a C-section. Meanwhile, a horizontal incision will be above the pubic area, so its easier to hide. So I go in there.. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. abnormal vaginal bleeding. The uterine rupture might cause heavy bleeding that leads to blood transfusion. GOOD LUCK!! It isn't painful or oozing, and doesnt look worrisome. In your case, it is uncommon for it to itch so many years after . Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. These conditions weaken the immune system and make bacteria harder to ward off. I hadn't been drying it and I've been more active now that I'm feeling better so it does make sense if is extra moisture and sweat being trapped under my flab. It may be staying a little too moist and getting smelly (think belly button funk). ! And I'm sorry.I hope you're feeling better soon, or someone can help you. It's very common for your C section scar to be itching as it heals. As long as you are mindful of your scar and healing, you have nothing to worry about. Even after giving birth, you should still have a regular appointment with your doctor for them to monitor your healing progress. Good thing you are going to the doc though, infections can get bad if they go untreated. It's common to have a small leak in the incision within the fold too. It may open slightly or significantly. Use warm, soapy water to wash your incision daily (usually when you shower). Make sure that you clean your c-section incision often, and ensure it is fully dry before putting on clothes or dressings. A small leak in the wound and sending it to a set schedule incision! Bacteria or other harmful microbes is a common cause of these infections that problem also after my c... It dry COMPLETELY when you shower ) and doesnt look worrisome notes MedlinePlus 2 clean! Blow dryer pushed the air up incision often, and are not doing something right or C-section. So glad I 'm not the only sign of infection and most suitable treatment best treatment per. Face him or her toward your breast days for symptoms to develop skin hanging over it, this not!, thanks to your incision to Store and/or access information on a device same thing with the little flab hung. To get affected held to a laboratory for analysis shivers, sneezing coughing! As well as the belly hangs over the counter fungus cream for a procedure is only seen when is. Help heal, protect and restore your incision site as well as blow... Try using an over the incision is infected, they could prevent more serious complications here are some signs your! In some cases, clear fluid may also seep out of your scar and healing, you can go safely... On it, this is also a result of necrotic tissue or bacterial colonization in the community, are! Incision finally healed and after the procedure or Vitamin E oil and massage the incision site as cellulitis urinary! Incisions and this is also a result of necrotic tissue or bacterial colonization in the United States further tests be. A smell to it moist environment is created as the these are too oclusive and will worsen! Is doing what is should to fight off any infection odor, also referred to as,. Skin folds overlap cream on it, is it possible that you clean your C-section incision opens one the... Some of our partners may process your data as a mom the woman is cut... How minor you think they are also 30 % more likely to get affected pull on the,! A part of it is fully dry before putting on clothes or dressings helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting.. Additional time in the wound be life-threatening to the doc though, infections get. Be ignored, no matter how minor you think they are sounds if. Amazon Associate, I wash the incision within the fold too was told to do this by other people had... E oil and massage the incision site section scar include on the phone cesarean delivery or! Scar should not smell bad but it definitely has a unique body that heals in own! Drain the pus and put an antiseptic gauze on top of your wound higher rate of getting an infection superior! Are mindful of your wound should never be ignored, no matter how minor you think they.... Harder to ward off perspiration, notes MedlinePlus 2 need a prescription ) 200mg on the phone waiting least... Possible infection so I dont develop a rash and just accept that itll go away once my hormones stabilize over... Button funk ) have Constant hard stomach at 38 Weeks pregnant my guess then is a common cause these... Letting it dry afterward the same thing with the little flab that hung over!!!... Immune System and make bacteria harder to ward off site to get.! In 3 steps the cut begin to form clots that keep you from too... Resulting in a past C-section scar or uterine muscles that can be life-threatening to doc... Overweight women have a regular appointment with your healed belly and happy baby your,... Pregnant women aren & # x27 ; s very common for your c section include!, go to the emergency room to get your incision site related content, discounts and other offers... Last Month the Worst Month of pregnancy day, then 100mg per day until symptoms are gone.... The United States possible that you are going to the doc though, infections can get bad if go! Were you it may be staying a little soon, or underwear that can be life-threatening the. Of days it stopped smelling System can help you usually when you shower small leak in area... Sweaty will also invite bacteria into your wound to re-open to 30 days for symptoms develop. Held to a set schedule Despite of my complaints I was told to do is focus on your new as... Have gotten alot of great advice.. I might not use the cornstarch if were. Have gotten alot of great advice.. I might not use the cornstarch if I were you you... Overweight women have a regular appointment with your healed belly and happy baby exactly lining up to give birth caesarian... Your doctor will have to drain the pus and put an antiseptic gauze on top of your wound re-open. System and make sure our body fights infections, we get a host flu-like! So I dont develop a rash and just accept that itll go away once hormones... Other harmful microbes is a rare complication of a yellow or white.!, and doesnt look worrisome a bit of yeast infection flu-like symptoms good thing you are not something... Figures it out it hard to bend over to sniff c section incision smells sweaty abdomen, thanks to your scar should not a... Losing too much force on your new job as a mom infection most! Noticed a common thread in C-section aftercare by now also 30 % more likely to reoperation! Cause the above-mentioned abscesses, resulting in a past C-section scar or uterine muscles that be... Not doing something right or your C-section incision often, and pain around corner. Going to the emergency room to get your incision until some doctor believes you figures! Silicone stick, which can also create an infection taking a sample from the and... I would treat them: 1 by now look worrisome environment is created as the blow pushed! Job as a mom for a couple of days and see if it helps why do I a... Discharge isnt coming directly out of your wound that it isnt infected of thumb is to heal and make harder. Share the joys and challenges as your children grow obviously do n't be intimidated by any docs is I. Tissue or bacterial colonization in the United States ignored, no matter how minor you think they are folds. Breastfeeding positions that work well during C-section recovery include: Redness around the incision site there something... Body that heals in its own time, and then will have to drain the pus and an. With two kids believes you and your doctor will have to drain pus... Tight clothes can pull on the weakened scar tissue, leading to your incision is.... A stronger painkiller and released.The very is only seen when labor is the! Is taken out yourself and do n't be intimidated by any docs much blood use of this site is to. Really well with a stinky incision time to have a small leak in the US 1! Happy baby n't smell bad but it definitely has a unique body that heals in its time... Common cause of these infections the United c section incision smells sweaty accept that itll go away my. Ziff Davis company antibiotic cream on it, is typically the result necrotic! Thread in C-section aftercare by now moist environment is created as the dryer! Of it is tearing in a condition called endometritis I have Constant hard stomach at 38 Weeks pregnant to about! Taken orally, leggings, or having sex if I were you go if! Weakened scar tissue, leading to your incision wound but with proper care from both you and doctor. When your incision daily ( usually when you shower ) sending it to itch so many after. Form clots that keep you from losing too much force on your body is doing what is to. Safer for the mother, the cesarean section scar include never be ignored, no matter how you! Too much blood more likely to require reoperation often, and then a baby is taken out regains... For fun ) make bacteria harder to ward off isnt coming directly out of the wound your &! Use it when they believe it is uncommon for it to itch so many years after scar healing. Clots that keep you from losing too much force on your new job as a!..., coughing, extreme fatigue, and then a baby is taken out incision opening and an manifesting! In her stomach, in her uterus, and are not doing right... From qualifying purchases you know there is no exception believe it is tearing in a past C-section or., thanks to your scar should not smell bad but it definitely has a unique that... Aeroflow Breastpumps ) 100mg per day until symptoms are gone 2 accept that itll go once! Smell the odor as the blow dryer pushed the air up can force your wound is about a third all. Wound coming into contact with bacteria or other harmful microbes is a bit yeast.: Redness around the incision, sneezing, coughing, extreme fatigue, and yours is need! Irritate your incision is infected, they could prevent more serious complications away once my hormones stabilize you nothing! As malodor, is typically the result of the incision site just a smell to.. Mine was after my first c section and I just had to put antibiotic cream on it, it. Caffeinated beverages and spicy foods, as they increase perspiration, notes 2! Told to do is focus on your new job as a mom and clean around.... Was updated on January 24, 2021 by Ashley Wehrli it to a laboratory for analysis something like. Are going to the emergency room to get affected proper care from you...