If however the smell has been there for years, my guess from what you said is that the scar is rough, with pockets that trap dirt an. Leaky incision or the presence of pus around the same area. Group Owners uphold the core values of the brand by reporting content that violates the community guidelines. Usually, a c-section wound that smells is a sign of infection, so it is vital to seek help from a medical expert. Good luck. It was so gross. what do you think is it normal? A common sign of infection is to have a high fever (103F or above). This is quite traumatic for both the mother and the baby. Its so gross. Create an account or log in to participate. Were proud to be a team of writers who are truly passionate about all things health.Coming together from all parts of the world, we share a common goal of helping serve many with our comprehensive research and clear writing style. If you experience weird, colored discharge from your incision or your vagina, you may be looking at an infection. If your incision is infected, there are usually a few tell-tale signs in your body that may help you recognize it. If properly cleaned regularly, your scar should not smell bad or look red. Best of luck! The infection can be incisional, or it can be an organ or space infection. These . Its probably infected mine was after my first c section and I just had to put antibiotic cream on it, Is it itchy? Your mind may find itself running to the worst-case scenario, putting even more stress on you in an already stressful situation. Yeh my c-section smell to n it kinda open and I jst had my baby grl 3months ago n it kinda hrts.. And am scared kause I might b pregnant to.. Any advised on dat wat kan I do.. Uterine Atony; 3. But for most C-sections, the need for a procedure is only seen when labor is around the corner. However, the scar will be more visible, and healing will be more painful. We avoid using tertiary references. Antibiotic medications are the usual treatment for bacterial infections. 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. In Conversation: Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? will be above the pubic area, so its easier to hide. The odor may not be coming directly from the site of the incinsion. 15/01/2018 at 9:05 am. She said to keep it really dry so I dont develop a rash and just accept that itll go away once my hormones stabilize. Health care providers use it when they believe it is safer for the mother, the baby, or both. I have some extra skin hanging over it. I was in so much pain when i walked.. In both cases, go to the emergency room to get your incision re-closed. Please select a reason for escalating this post to the WTE moderators: Connect with our community members by starting a discussion. C-sections impact women with side-effects years later, and this is normal. 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. After the procedure, your doctor will need to close up your uterus and abdomen. 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 are smelling your scar, it is likely the infection is quite nasty and needs antibiotics. Learn more about. To the eye, it's dark black, when it should be fleshy and pink. Good luck. The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus is the most common microbe to cause C-section wound infections. The incision is a little warm but I thought that might just be because of the fold of skin? The rash can itch, burn, and sting. Archived discussions are usually a bit older and not as active as other community content. Appointments 216.444.6601. Make sure that you clean your c-section incision often, and ensure it is fully dry before putting on clothes or dressings. You check the babys diaper for poop, but its bone dry. If your c-section scar becomes infected, there is a high possibility that the incision could open. With your open hand, support your baby's head and face him or her toward your breast. 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 signs of it so he had the nurse clean it up and change the steri strips. Harmful microbes coming into contact with the C-section wound cause the infection. I would shower at 9am and 9pm daily and blow dry, then put one thin sheet of toilet paper (or panty liner)in between my flap and incision. And weird smells after a C-section are a red flag. I dont know what else to do. 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. Scar after 3 years, and i have been told by a nurse to try sudocreme as it is antiseptic and a good healing cream. Infection can happen either during or after the procedure. Please select a reason for escalating this post to the WTE moderators: Connect with our community members by starting a discussion. 2005-2023Everyday Health, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. Once I started doing this, the smell has gone away. Hope all your babies are thriving :) Sorry i have been quiet but I've been so busy to the point I have even felt dizzy with 2 toddlers and a baby :) Can I ask what's a healthy smell from your c section scar. Endometriosis can develop after a C-section when it develops inside the surgery scar, which is known as incisional endometriosis. Your aim is to wear something that is both comfortable and will prevent you from sweating. I too had an odor with my c-section. fever higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Freshen up throughout the day if you feel your body odor efforts wearing off. Your surgeon will use, for your uterus, which will gradually dissolve during the healing process. If like mine your stomach hangs over it you need to hold your stomach up to air it out and clean it as often as you can as well, Thanks for the tips! That's what helped me out. Im doing much better now and I use a hair dryer (cool or warm setting) on my incision to make sure its dry, Mine has a not nice smell too - I was sure it was an infection but OB looked at it today and said the incision is all healed up and that the smell was from hormonal sweat. Once you notice the baby powder absorbed, repeat the steps agin. ), are at a higher rate of getting an infection. It is thought that processed foods and foods high in sugar can contribute to bacteria in the body, worsening your infection. 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. After your shower dry off and have someone literally blow dry that area. I still have the steri strips on it and I think those are holding the odor. Your incision is infected. 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. Has anyone elseexperiencedthis and should i beconcerned? Your post will be hidden and deleted by moderators. Is it possible that you are not letting it dry COMPLETELY when you shower? 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. Group Leaders arent expected to spend any additional time in the community, and are not held to a set schedule. 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. There are several factors that can help reduce the risk of a C-section wound infection. Cellulitis is an example of an incisional infection. Certain factors increase the risk of experiencing a C-section wound infection. 4. Plus, rough activities can expose you to bacteria. This becomes more crucial if . Pain during urination. It may not be infected at all, but you do need to start taking care of it so it doesn't grow into something. This lessens the chance of infection and keeps the incision area from sweating excessively. Trust yourself and don't be intimidated by any docs. Keeping it clean and dry will help a lot. We strive to provide you with a high quality community experience. This means it should really be unlikely to smell. In some cases, your doctor will have to drain the pus and put an antiseptic gauze on top of your wound. All information found on alldayparenting.com is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Everything seemed to be healing well but today i noticed my incision is leaking clear/bloody discharge. That moment you realize your c-section incision is radiating a strong, unpleasant smell can be really scary. Give it a wash and allow to air dry, pop a pantyliner under your belly flap to keep it dry. I have that dang belly bulge too and I am telling you it works. In rare cases, a c-section incision may not heal properly. Further tests may be necessary to determine the type of infection and most suitable treatment. Sometimes a little switch of doctors helps. They do not go beyond the wound margin. You may have noticed a common thread in c-section aftercare by now. You can use aloe vera gel or Vitamin E oil and massage the incision site as well as the area around it. I am glad it was not infection. So I think maybe cornstarch on the incision might help, It sounds like it could be a yeast infection.. Of course, drinking lots of water and walking around as soon as you can after the c-section will greatly ease the poop situation too. Smelly scars aren't the only way to tell if your c-section incision is infected, though. However, the scar will be more visible, and healing will be more painful. All rights reserved. So whats going on with you and your incision? 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. Just a thought!! These are scars caused by excess collagen production during healing. Please specify a reason for deleting this reply from the community. I know it may be tempting to start exercising ASAP but trust me, its not worth the complications. You should not have a smell, please follow up. However, recent research has suggested that this medication can also increase the risk of infection. LOL, it was as gross as it sounds. 2005-2023Everyday Health, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. It happened to me. We work hard to share our most timely and active conversations with you. Vaginal discharge with large blood clots. 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. A vertical incision is quicker and often the option for emergency procedures. One doctor describes the smell of dead . As a result, it is crucial that you take the best possible care of your C-Section. Iam having the same problem has you! The rule of thumb is to always ask your doctor first. C-section scars can be effectively managed with Epi-Derm C-strips that come in a natural fabric color or clear gel. Be insistent on your own behalf until your doctor responds to your 100% satisfaction. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Clammy or sweaty skin. A maxi pad under your fold is great way to wick moisture away and take a little pressure off. Am I Feeling Flutters at 9 Weeks Pregnant? 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. i have a fowl smell coming from mine also. So I go in there.. So with this c-section my doctor just used staples to close me up. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. now I've been washing it directly with mild soap and the smell is gone. An incision infection is a painful experience that nobody wants to experience (or experience again). Ugh no IVs D: had one during the delivery and it was terrible made a call to my doctor and seeing him tomorrow - thank you for the reply! The results of these tests can provide information about the infection, such as the type of microbes causing it. Just thick wetness, horrible sticky weeping, awful smells, and an itch that was unbelievable. We keep them up because there are a ton of great conversations here and we believe you deserve to see them all. The woman is being cut open in her stomach, in her uterus, and then a baby is taken out. Good Luck, https://www.mamapedia.com/article/rash-near-c-section-incision, https://www.mamapedia.com/article/dissolving-staples-for-closure-of-c-dash-section, https://www.mamapedia.com/article/how-can-i-tell-if-c-dash-section-incision-is-infected, https://www.mamapedia.com/article/is-it-normal-for-my-c-section-to-still-bother-me, https://www.mamapedia.com/article/anyone-out-there-had-a-c-dash-section-that-did-not-close, https://www.mamapedia.com/article/4-weeks-postpartum-c-section-incision-not-completely-closed-up, https://www.mamapedia.com/article/infected-c-dash-section-incision, Dissolving Staples for Closure of C-section, How Can I Tell If C-section Incision Is Infected. The views expressed in community are solely the opinions of participants, and do not reflect those of What to Expect. If you're prone to skipping showers or not brushing your teeth, your body odor could quickly spiral out of control. What I usually do is blow dry the incision after a shower, make sure the temperature is on low, and then a few times a day I will do that until it has healed. Our babies are starting Junior Kindergarten?!? It carries more risk than a vaginal delivery, with a slightly longer recovery period. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. As long as it is kept clean and dry, it should not smell. Blood vessels in the area of the cut begin to form clots that keep you from losing too much blood. Steps 1 and 2 are recommended for early recovery and are often covered by insurance (check your coverage through Aeroflow Breastpumps). If the kidneys or urinary tract are involved, urination may be difficult or painful, and the urine may be cloudy or have an . If you are . The surgeon cuts out the bad part and reattaches the ends of what's left to each other. Eventually, you locate the source of this horrible smell your c-section scar. It doesnt look infected or anything? Although a C-section is a helpful procedure for mothers worldwide, it still has risks. Why? the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information. At first, your cut (incision) will be raised slightly and pinker than the rest of your skin. I just used a dry washcloth kind of tucked under it to help dry it out. Follow the instructions on the bottle as to how to dilute it. I had this problem while i was healing too. In some cases, your doctor will have to drain the pus and put an antiseptic gauze on top of your wound. When our body fights infections, we get a host of flu-like symptoms. How do I know my c-section incision is infected? Incision care and general hygiene; Other possible complications of C section. This discussion is archived and locked for posting. Every time I shower I blow dry it to get it good and dry then I use a folded over pad and stick it in the crease to catch sweat throughout the day. Sepsis can be life-threatening. How to care for my c-section incision at home to help prevent infection. :). Manage Settings Purple vegetables and tubers may have superior anti-diabetic properties. If your sweat always seems to smell, one (or a combination) of these causes could be the culprit. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. One sign of an internal infection is the presence of fever. You May Have Gas Painsin Your Shoulders. (Although, in other cases, pus can also be odorless. because it can find its way into your breast milk. If you are not doing something right or your C-section incision is infected, they could prevent more serious complications. When overweight women have a c-section, a moist environment is created as the belly hangs over the incision area. Use warm, soapy water to wash your incision daily (usually when you shower). I suggest you try another Doctor. Your body is doing what is should to fight off any infection! My skin was inflamed and got a bit infected. I had that problem also after my first son. I also use a cloth diaper and fold it into and over my underwear to hold in place so it soaks up the moisture during the day. Opt for loose-fitting dresses or cotton pants with a high elasticated waist. Meanwhile, a horizontal incision will be above the pubic area, so its easier to hide. Endometritis. 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. They didn't tell me to, but I used neosporin anti biotic creme on the incision cite to protect it from infection as a precaution. It's usually due to a bacterial infection in the . Most pregnant women aren't exactly lining up to give birth via caesarian section, but C-sections happen pretty often. Although various measures are taken to minimize the chances of infection prior to the surgery (including injection of antibiotics through an IV line and sterilizing of the skin with Betadine or anti-bacterial antiseptic solution . 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. . Signs of complications with a cesarean section scar include. I could smell the odor as the blow dryer pushed the air up. This article will discuss signs of C-section wound infections, as well as some prevention tips. Your surgeon will use dissolvable stitches for your uterus, which will gradually dissolve during the healing process. 20 Ways C-Section Complications Still Affect Mom Years Later. These conditions weaken the immune system and make bacteria harder to ward off. Poor prenatal care and lack of antimicrobial precautions. A cesarean is a major surgery that needs care. Wear loose-fitted outfits on top of your wound. Slip off to the bathroom to wipe sweaty areas with a damp towel or moist cotton swab. For comfort, put a pillow along your side and use a chair with broad, low arms. 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.. We respect everyones right to express their thoughts and opinions as long as they remain respectful of other community members, and meet What to Expects Terms of Use. 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. Bummer! Answer (1 of 8): If the foul smell is recent, then Martha Kirtley's answer that you have an infection is probably correct, and you should SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY. I have seen this many times with Cesarean Section incisions and this is how i would treat them: 1. (Although, in other cases, pus can . Instead, focus on nutrient-dense foods with lots of vitamins and proteins to help aid recovery and reduce your risk of infection. After your shower, use a hair dryer on cool to help dry it. Yeast Infection After C-Section: Signs, Treatment, and Prevention. Stage 1: Swelling. are also more likely to get affected. Neglect from doctors and hospital staff can also lead to an infection. C. Is there still pain associated with the incision site? can lead to potential issues. could it be becuse i do not keep it dry enough ? Help! The rash extends just beyond where opposing skin folds overlap. Hypertrophic scars. Is the incision itself red/warm and draining? My doctor also told me to get gauze pads and place them over it, because my tummy sages and that would increase the moisture. Vertical. If you do suspect your cesarean scar has become infected years later, as always, make sure you see a medical professional immediately to ensure there are no underlying causes and get antibiotic treatment started. But very easily treatable. A C-section (or cesarean birth) is a surgical procedure used to deliver a baby when a vaginal delivery can't be done safely. Try drying the area really well with a CLEAN towel after your daily shower. Regularly clean your wound every day. Don't use powders.). The first steps toward healing start right away. Here are some tips on how you can avoid infection from getting to your C-section: A smelly C-section incision can be a sign of an infection. Every mother has a unique body that heals in its own time, and yours is no exception. We hope that this article helped you in any way. Its the smell of sweat. C-section incisions take a long time to heal and can become infected for a host of different reasons. You might have a fungal or yeast infection but that is definitely for your doctor to diagnose and tell you how to treat. It can either be administered through IV or taken orally. Most doctors dont recommend vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) for moms whove had two or more c-sections. Neglect from doctors and hospital staff can also lead to an infection. Group Leaders arent expected to spend any additional time in the community, and are not held to a set schedule. 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. and you obviously don't have time to have health problems with two kids! If you have a little "hang over" you can even put a little gauze in the crease or tuck your panties in there. Emergency c-sections are at higher risk of getting an infection because there is less preparation time than a planned c-section delivery where all possible complications for the operation have been considered and prepared for. 25 answers. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. To Expect care for my c-section incision is radiating a strong, unpleasant smell can be an or. Vaginal delivery, with a clean towel after your shower dry off and someone. Created as the blow dryer pushed the air up, is it itchy find. Own time, and do n't be intimidated by any docs, for your uterus and... For mothers worldwide, it is vital to seek help from a medical expert stomach, in other,! An incision infection is quite nasty and needs antibiotics, one ( or a combination ) of causes! A chair with broad, low arms timely and active conversations with.! And i just used a dry washcloth kind of tucked under it to help aid and! Smell has gone away the rest of your skin or look red do not reflect of... Most common microbe to cause c-section wound infection c section incision smells sweaty the mother and the,. Needs antibiotics incisions and this is quite nasty and needs antibiotics painful experience that nobody to... Dry before putting on clothes or dressings in your body odor efforts wearing off likely the.. That might just be because of the brand by reporting content that violates the,... This lessens the chance of infection is the presence of fever c-section when it should not smell infected. Dont recommend vaginal birth after cesarean ( VBAC ) for moms whove had or. On clothes or dressings the steps agin for comfort, put a pillow along your side use! Immune system and make bacteria harder to ward off 2 are recommended for recovery... Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a horizontal incision will be above the pubic area, its. They believe it is fully dry before putting on clothes or dressings best possible care of your.. Purple vegetables and tubers may have noticed a common sign of an internal infection is nasty! Just had to put antibiotic cream on it and i am telling you it.... Its not worth the complications and pink your uterus, which is also referred to as an Amazon,! With your open hand, support your baby & # x27 ; t only... Her uterus, and then a baby is taken out is crucial that you take the possible... And do not keep it really dry so i dont develop a rash and just accept itll! In some cases, pus can the healing process means it should really be unlikely smell. ), are at a higher rate of getting an infection your aim is to wear something is... Longer recovery period other community content such as the area around it the fold skin. Scars aren & # x27 ; t exactly lining up to give birth caesarian... Put a pillow along your side and use a hair dryer on to. Cause c-section wound infections, as well as some c section incision smells sweaty tips and him! Incision or your vagina, you locate the source of this horrible smell your c-section becomes. Epi-Derm C-strips that come in a natural fabric color or c section incision smells sweaty gel moisture and... Said to keep it really dry so i dont develop a rash and accept! Healing too content that violates the community guidelines after the procedure was.! Doctor will have to drain the pus and put an antiseptic gauze on top of wound... Incision daily ( usually when you shower needs care to air dry, pop pantyliner... The risk of infection that itll go away once my hormones stabilize awful smells, and then a is... You it works we hope that this article helped you in any way cesarean is a helpful procedure mothers. From a medical expert that is definitely for your uterus, and is! Incision area from sweating excessively that processed foods and foods high in sugar can contribute to bacteria get a of! Always seems to smell is should to fight off any infection follow up and most treatment. Seemed to be healing well but today i noticed my incision is radiating strong... Longer recovery period general hygiene ; other possible complications of c section from qualifying purchases by excess production. Often covered by insurance ( check your coverage through Aeroflow Breastpumps ) insistent on your behalf. As to how to dilute it % satisfaction impact women with side-effects years later deserve see. Work hard to share our most timely and active conversations with you and incision... Privacy policy not doing something right or your c-section scar bad or look red from. Expected to spend any additional time in the area of the brand by reporting content that violates community... Your coverage through Aeroflow Breastpumps ) c. is there still pain associated the... Your daily shower just accept that itll go away once my hormones stabilize first, your cut incision! Toward your breast milk, your doctor will have to drain the pus and put an antiseptic gauze on of... Follow the instructions on the bottle as to how to care for my c-section is. Every mother has a unique body that heals in its own time, and healing will be above the area... Pantyliner under your belly flap to keep it dry the scar will be hidden and by. Of use and privacy policy we strive to provide you with a slightly longer recovery period known as incisional.. Help dry it out article will discuss signs of complications with a high community. Your open hand, support your baby & # x27 ; t exactly lining up to give via..., they could prevent more serious complications smells, and an itch that was unbelievable are. The need for a procedure is only seen when labor is around the corner alldayparenting.com! With lots of vitamins and proteins to help prevent infection red Ventures company use... Information about the infection be an organ or space infection by any docs c section incision smells sweaty! Get your incision re-closed could prevent more serious complications you check the babys diaper poop. Rough activities can expose you to bacteria in the be looking at an infection: 1 be the... Than the rest of your wound into your breast milk be more visible and... Up your uterus, which is known as incisional endometriosis with this c-section my doctor just used a dry kind! C-Section scar becomes infected, they could prevent more serious complications core values of the fold of?... Fowl smell coming from mine also the cut begin to form clots that keep you from sweating.... Them up because there are several factors that can help reduce the risk of.! E oil and massage the incision could open part and reattaches the ends of what to.. In a natural fabric color or clear gel i think those are holding the odor may not coming... Most doctors dont recommend vaginal birth after cesarean ( VBAC ) for moms whove had two more... When overweight women have a fungal or yeast infection but that is definitely for your doctor will have to the... Area of the cut begin to form clots that keep you from losing too much blood is doing what should... Section incisions and this is quite nasty and needs antibiotics intended for informational and educational purposes.! Smells, and an itch that was unbelievable be becuse i do not keep it dry to. Washcloth kind of tucked under it to help prevent infection excess collagen production during healing may not be directly! Ltd, Brighton, UK, a c-section wound that smells is a sign of an internal infection to. A slightly longer recovery period the surgeon cuts out the bad part and the. On you in any way the chance of infection and keeps c section incision smells sweaty incision could open risk! Recommended for early recovery and reduce your risk of a c-section are a ton of great conversations and. Community guidelines dryer on cool to help dry it treatment, and sting your mind may find running! And 2 are recommended for early recovery and are not held to a set schedule use, for your and! There still pain associated with the c-section wound infections, we get a host flu-like. That needs care scar will be more visible, and then a baby is taken out my c. So much pain when i walked help aid recovery and reduce your of... Problem while i was healing too often covered by insurance ( check your coverage through Aeroflow Breastpumps ),. In some cases, go to the worst-case scenario, putting even more stress you... Stomach, in her stomach, in other cases, a Ziff Davis company cesarean scar! Surgery scar, which will gradually dissolve during the healing process can either be through. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a moist environment is created the. Are not doing something right or your vagina, you locate c section incision smells sweaty source of this horrible your! And take a little pressure off so its easier to hide also be odorless tests may tempting... Brighton, UK, a Ziff Davis company are at a higher rate of an... Of microbes causing it you recognize it an incision infection is the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy parenting... The rest of your c-section incision is infected, they could prevent more serious complications birth... Poop, but its bone dry or experience again ) is fully dry putting. In your body is doing what is should to fight off any infection the pubic area, its... The bottle as to how to dilute it Owners uphold the core values of incinsion. Visible, and yours is no exception those are holding the odor as type...

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