Postpartum infections; 4. Fluid leaking from the . 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 may not be infected at all, but you do need to start taking care of it so it doesn't grow into something. It's usually due to a bacterial infection in the . Wear loose-fitting clothes - If you are panicking about sweating and making your c-section incision moist, try to wear clothes that keep you at a comfortable temperature. Keep a close eye on the incision site for any signs of infection and if any areas are opening. 11 days postpartum, im having very bad smelling vaginal discharge, most like peeing bloody discharge, i cant tolerate the smell, its that bad.having chills, asked my husband to take picture of my incision. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Production of excess collagen also causes this type . A post-cesarean wound infection is an infection that occurs after a C-section, which is also referred to as an abdominal or cesarean delivery. There are multiplereasons why your doctor would call for an emergency c-section. Yeah, I'll second the blow dryer thing. Leaky incision or the presence of pus around the same area. It somewhat smells but not too bad and the incision isn't hurting anymore. Just thick wetness, horrible sticky weeping, awful smells, and an itch that was unbelievable. Be on the lookout for other symptoms, like fever and swelling. My skin was inflamed and got a bit infected. This is also a result of the bacteria that cause the above-mentioned abscesses, resulting in a condition called endometritis. Also, it's vital to avoid any factors that may trigger your incision to re-open. I too had an odor with my c-section. Well my thing is in the beginning I had so many problems with my incision with odor pain so I mad a few trips to the ER the first time Dr said there was nothing wrong with my incision but that it smelled like infection but no other . I noticed mine had a funny smell-It wasnt bad, but not great. Factors to prevent infection after surgery include: C-section wound infections are not uncommon. In most cases, you will be given antibiotics by your doctor. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/fever-in-adults2, https://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/Fulltext/2009/09000/Stage_Related_Outcome_in_Twin_Twin_Transfusion.14.aspx, https://www.apsf.org/article/preventing-surgical-site-infection-after-cesarean-delivery-the-anesthesia-professionals-role/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5322852/, Skipping breakfast and fasting may compromise the immune system. An infected incision may emit a foul odor. It should not smell, as I'm sure you know, and you should TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS. Its probably infected mine was after my first c section and I just had to put antibiotic cream on it, Is it itchy? C: I received dissolving stitches as well and they healed pretty well until I stopped using gauze my obgyn suggested using powder to keep it dry after it healed but a few people have told me to completely avoid powder so gonna see my GP tomorrow. I hope it goes away quickly and enjoy your new baby! Yeast Infection After C-Section: Signs, Treatment, and Prevention. Updated on September 04, 2009 E.W. So I think maybe cornstarch on the incision might help, It sounds like it could be a yeast infection.. Mine doesn't smell bad but it definitely has a different smell. by your doctor. But while a C-section is generally safe, it can still have complications during and after the procedure. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. LOL, it was as gross as it sounds. Why Do My C-Section Scar Smell? Hernias can cause dangerous health issues, so it is important to know the symptoms. If your incision is infected, there are usually a few tell-tale signs in your body that may help you recognize it. Although a C-section is a helpful procedure for mothers worldwide, it still has risks. Has anyone elseexperiencedthis and should i beconcerned? Fever-like symptoms and inflammation around a cesarean delivery, or C-section, wound could be signs of infection. I know it stinks!! How do I know my c-section incision is infected? It doesnt look infected or anything? Hope it helps you too. Sometimes the body has an extreme response to infection called sepsis. Incision wound pain or worsening pain. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have any of these signs or symptoms of sepsis after giving birth: Chills or feeling very cold. But I've had alot offriends that had infections and they never kept the area dry after speaking to them. It was so gross. To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account. Having two or more infants can also be a factor. Stage 1: Swelling. I had that problem also after my first son. For infections specifically, drinking lots of water will help your body get rid of some of the toxins in your body and should help your body fight infection before it spreads. I'll get some gauze right away though c: thanks for replying! Water alone will not cure an infection, but it can help recover from it. These conditions weaken the immune system and make bacteria harder to ward off. Meanwhile, your stomach can be closed with either surgical staples, non-dissolvable stitches, or surgical glue. Dr. Brian Enggano answered. The rule of thumb is to always ask your doctor first. It happened to me. A foul smell coming from the incision site. This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. 30/08/2016 01:50, ^^My son is 14 months old I have had 3 cesareans 2 being emergency and the last because I couldn't have a natural, anyway I just recently went loo and hot a funny smell went to rub my tummy where the scar is and it is stingy as well as sweaty and abit smelly will be keeping a eye on it, but I.just find it bizarre as I never had this problem with last 2 it's only been the last section, p.s I am trying to loose weight so don't know if that affects it at all but I feel bit strange and uncomfortable about it. The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus is the most common microbe to cause C-section wound infections. This incision extends from the belly button to the pubic hairline. Trust yourself and don't be intimidated by any docs. A cesarean section (or C-section) is a very common, well-established operation that many people have when delivering a baby. ), are at a higher rate of getting an infection. Is the incision itself red/warm and draining? Our babies are starting Junior Kindergarten?!? You might also see swelling and redness around your incision. A person with type 2 diabetes heals open wounds slowly and may also cause recurring infections. Slip off to the bathroom to wipe sweaty areas with a damp towel or moist cotton swab. The educational health content on What To Expect is reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts to be up-to-date and in line with the latest evidence-based medical information and accepted health guidelines, including the medically reviewed What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff. It is tearing in a past C-section scar or uterine muscles that can be life-threatening to the mother or baby. I just had to respond! This has helped in many cases. In some cases, parents and doctors plan a C-section ahead of time. 2005-2023Everyday Health, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. 20 Ways C-Section Complications Still Affect Mom Years Later. is a life-saving procedure for many mothers and infants. If you can't figure out the smell I would see your dr. Go to the doc and have them check it out just to be safe. The incision is fine, there's just a smell to it. When it becomes infected, it starts to smell like rotting flesh gross, I know! Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. Up-and-down (vertical). 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. Hi all! All rights reserved. In, Cesarean wound infections occur when bacteria enter the incision. Give it a wash and allow to air dry, pop a pantyliner under your belly flap to keep it dry. Good luck. If its getting red its showing signs of infection- Ive had skin cellulitis twice and being hooked up to an iv is no fun- I would go in or at least call. Use warm, soapy water to wash your incision daily (usually when you shower). Here are some signs that your C-section incision needs to be checked for possible infection: An infection is the last thing we want after just going through pregnancy for 9 months and major surgery to safely deliver your precious baby. But for most C-sections, the need for a procedure is only seen when labor is around the corner. I still have the steri strips on it and I think those are holding the odor. C-section, or Cesarean delivery, is a common option for childbirth. After the procedure, your doctor will need to close up your uterus and abdomen. If you have a little "hang over" you can even put a little gauze in the crease or tuck your panties in there. This could be a sign that the infection is spreading. 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. What to Expect supports Group Black and its mission to increase greater diversity in media voices and media ownership. (PSI see this a lot in my new moms at the hospitaldon't be embarrassed, it happens to many people). Your vaginal discharge could smell pretty foul because of the clots and mucus being expelled. Can you tell if your c-section internal stitches have ruptured. Harmful microbes coming into contact with the C-section wound cause the infection. Be insistent on your own behalf until your doctor responds to your 100% satisfaction. After a C-section, it is normal to experience some swelling, redness, and pain around the wound. But for most C-sections, the need for a procedure is only seen when labor is around the corner. After your shower, use a hair dryer on cool to help dry it. Antibiotic medications are the usual treatment for bacterial infections. Vertical. Make sure to super wash and rinse in the shower every day but don't super rub it. But it smells bad! And heres another smelly symptom: you might find foul-smelling vaginal discharge when your incision is infected. As the nerves and the surrounding tissue begins to heal, this causes the sensation of itching to happen. abnormal vaginal bleeding. That odor might be coming from the pus. One doctor describes the smell of dead . i had a c section four months ago but it smells and it has scared on the side but whitesh on the middle.anyone with a similar problem? 1. If you are smelling your scar, it is likely the infection is quite nasty and needs antibiotics. I just had my last c section on Sept. 4 '13 and I again have the yellow whatever and the smell. Keeping it clean and dry will help a lot. Did they say you could rinse it with peroxide. Adverse reaction to anesthesia; 2. Your post will be hidden and deleted by moderators. Do not ignore this symptom. That odor might be coming from the pus. Also, when no one was home I would lie on the couch or on the bed, on my back and let it kind of air out for a few minutes, or as long as my daughter would let me. 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 . These are scars caused by excess collagen production during healing. 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. I also had a C Section about 2 years ago. The moisture from your sweat can make the area prone to infections. That's what helped me out. Neglect from doctors and hospital staff can also lead to an infection. I have seen this many times with Cesarean Section incisions and this is how i would treat them: 1. Those with illnesses like diabetes and HIV are also more likely to get affected. I just gave birth 6 weeks ago and my incision became infected before I left the hospital.I reported foul odor, extreme pain and ample drainage.I was told that the drainage and pain were normal and that the odor was from me having extra skin lying over the incision and sweating . Every year, millions of infants are born through C-sections. Meanwhile, a horizontal incision will be above the pubic area, so its easier to hide. Okay first I would like to say thank you to everyone who has responded with great advice I am surprised at how many others have experienced this or something like it. Regardless of the type of your c-section incision, it should feel better by 2 weeks but would completely heal between 6 weeks up to 3 months. The views expressed in community are solely the opinions of participants, and do not reflect those of What to Expect. Help! Obstetrics and Gynecology 14 years experience. Some people like to keep a maxi pad over the incision to absorb sweat or drainage. To the eye, it's dark black, when it should be fleshy and pink. Gently wash it with mild soap and water. Air-dry the wound if possible. i clean it everyday and it is not infected. Intertrigo is characterized by a rash that is intensely red, macerated (wet and soft), and glistening, with scaling on the edges. What many women fail to realize is that there is going to be a very large amount of recovery time required after the surgery. Its so gross. Are you experiencing any pain in your abdomen?? Incisional infections affect the wound site itself, either in the skin or the deeper tissues around the wound. Or there is simply an obstruction that makes vaginal delivery a pain for someone and their baby. 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 dont know what else to do. It causes intense abdominal pain and vaginal discharge, accompanied by high fever. As long as you are mindful of your scar and healing, you have nothing to worry about. That's because it's done across the lowest part of the uterus, which is thinner meaning less bleeding. Prevention is always better than cure. 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. High fevers can be dangerous to the body, so it is essential to treat them immediately. Well, 18 days PP I developed a yeast infection on the incision. If you feel a message or content violates these standards and would like to request its removal please submit the following information and our moderating team will respond shortly. This, however, can only be possible if we make it our priority to take the actual time needed to heal properly and regain the much-needed strength physically, mentally, and emotionally. ( he also told me to put a maxi pad on the scar w/ the baby powder, but I didn't I let it air out) This worked for me, I hope it works for you. I would not feel bad about yourself at all. Infection can happen to anybody. It sounds as if you have gotten alot of great advice..I might not use the cornstarch if I were you. 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. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. What should I do if my c-section incision opens? 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