G. K. Dear A.find a doctor who will really hear you. This is also a result of the bacteria that cause the above-mentioned abscesses, resulting in a condition called endometritis. Anonymous. Pain during urination. Incision site infection . or maybe not, but the possibility is there, right? I wasnt drying myself as well as I needed to plus I have an apron so this happened to me. 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. Youre holding your baby in your arms when suddenly, you smell something awful. My guess then is a bit of yeast infection. 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! I just had my last c section on Sept. 4 '13 and I again have the yellow whatever and the smell. In fact, the cesarean section surgery rate is about a third of all births in the United States. All Day Parenting Your post will be hidden and deleted by moderators. Those with illnesses like diabetes and HIV are also more likely to get affected. Poor personal hygiene can cause an overgrowth bacteria and encourage smelly sweat. Find advice, support and good company (and some stuff just for fun). 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. can lead to potential issues. 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! Mine is under my stomach too and it doesn't smell pretty. Therefore, please consult the doctor if there is a foul odor in the wound as infection necessitates immediate medical attention. Carole D (24) 15/01/2018 at 8:44 am. Most doctors dont recommend vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) for moms whove had two or more c-sections. Certain dressings like hydrocolloids, also tend to produce a characteristic odor as a result of the chemical reaction that takes place between the dressing and wound exudate, causing odor.While not directly harmful to the patient, wound odor is often indicative of . I was in so much pain when i walked.. But very easily treatable. 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. Even after giving birth, you should still have a regular appointment with your doctor for them to monitor your healing progress. 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. 2005-2023Everyday Health, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. Keep a close eye on the incision site for any signs of infection and if any areas are opening. God bless. 25 answers. If you have a little "hang over" you can even put a little gauze in the crease or tuck your panties in there. Clammy or sweaty skin. If in doubt, dont hesitate to call your doctor to get professional advice. 20062023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. I noticed mine had a funny smell-It wasnt bad, but not great. Why Do I Have Constant Hard Stomach at 38 Weeks Pregnant. Hello, With my c-section incision, I used a hair dryer to make sure the incision was dry after showers. In some cases, your doctor will have to drain the pus and put an antiseptic gauze on top of your wound. This discussion is archived and locked for posting. Just keep up with it, it will get better. Having experienced that myself, I know that a lot is going on after giving birth, and sometimes the last thing you focus on is yourself. Or you could have had an allery to the medi strips which is causing the odor. Plus, as a new mother, comfort is everything! Endometriosis can develop after a C-section when it develops inside the surgery scar, which is known as incisional endometriosis. There are two types of incisions that your surgeon can do. Vertical. I still have the steri strips on it and I think those are holding the odor. 3. Organ and space infections occur when the microbes reach the surrounding areas and organs, such as the bladder or urinary tract. 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. The consequences if you don't could be yucky! 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. Many moms seek a C-section because it is safer and more convenient. Sometimes, it can even hurt for a week! It's usually due to a bacterial infection in the . My staph infection smelled BAD, was red/inflamed/splotchy, oozed yellow, and was warm. This procedure is used for many reasons, including prolonged labor, high-risk pregnancy, large babies, multiples, fetal distress, breech presentation, a previous cesarean . This article will discuss signs of C-section wound infections, as well as some prevention tips. But keep in mind that complications are a part of any major surgery. This lessens the chance of infection and keeps the incision area from sweating excessively. This care should include: Do: Keeping the area dry and clean. Best of luck! 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. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 32 . Swimming After C-Section: When and How to Start. In extremely rare cases, your doctor may recommend a second surgery to get rid of the infected tissue, but this will only happen if antibiotics do not work. I was shaking and my teeth was chattering like it was zero below out here Everyone was looking at me funny.. If you can try and air dry it during the day too, this will also help the healing. There are two types of incisions that your surgeon can do. Good thing you are going to the doc though, infections can get bad if they go untreated. Further tests may be necessary to determine the type of infection and most suitable treatment. I could smell the odor as the blow dryer pushed the air up. Avoid alcohol, caffeinated beverages and spicy foods, as they increase perspiration, notes MedlinePlus 2. Here are some signs that your C-section incision needs to be checked for possible infection. 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. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Just a thought!! If properly cleaned regularly, your scar should not smell bad or look red. We hope that this article helped you in any way. Wearing too tight clothes can pull on the weakened scar tissue, leading to your incision opening and an infection manifesting. Severe breast pain. Not to mention, getting too sweaty will also invite bacteria into your wound, which can also create an infection. I have no idea what Dr's use for c-section stitches, but when I had my laparoscopy they used the dissolving kind for the deep stitches and some of them didn't dissolve! Every year, millions of infants are born through C-sections. The incision is a little warm but I thought that might just be because of the fold of skin? 1. They occur in around 215 percent of all C-section surgeries. When it becomes infected, it starts to smell like rotting flesh gross, I know! Poor prenatal care and lack of antimicrobial precautions. These include shivers, sneezing, coughing, extreme fatigue, and nausea. 4 Weeks Postpartum C Section Incision Not Completely Closed Up. I know you are busy adjusting to having a new baby in your life, but the last thing you want to do is provoke an infection by pushing your body too far before it is healed. I lift the skin lap to expose the incision, lay the pad along the incision, and let the skin lap lay over the top of the pad. the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information. 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. Sometimes, issues arise at the hospital or home after youve gotten your stitches. You May Have Gas Painsin Your Shoulders. It carries more risk than a vaginal delivery, with a slightly longer recovery period. When your bowels become sluggish after surgery, gas can press on the diaphragm, trigger a nerve and extend the pain to the shoulders. It's common to have a small leak in the incision within the fold too. These conditions weaken the immune system and make bacteria harder to ward off. If so, it could be a yeast infection. If someone has had a C-section in the past, they are more likely to get one again. Prevention is always better than cure. 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. 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.. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. You may have a bacterial infection or unterin infection that is common when you've had a csection. Then put a little powder on your tummy. LOL, it was as gross as it sounds. Group Leaders communicate with staff moderators and escalate potential violations for review, but they dont moderate discussions. abnormal swelling, redness, and pain around the wound. Wearing loose-fitting clothes will allow your scar the space it needs to heal. I had the same thing with the little flab that hung over!!!lol! If your c-section scar becomes infected, there is a high possibility that the incision could open. If it's red and malodorous in the skin fold, it could be a superficial infection like yeast (would also be red and spotted). You will feel clean and refreshed all day. One doctor describes the smell of dead . And weird smells after a C-section are a red flag. It can either be administered through IV or taken orally. And I'm sorry.I hope you're feeling better soon, or someone can help you. Up-and-down (vertical). 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.. if you have extra skin hanging over it, this is trapping in sweat etc. 2023 The Heart & Brain. The best way to avoid getting to the point of infection is to look after your body and support your own recovery by taking it easy and following the steps in this post. Signs and symptoms to look out for include: These symptoms may occur with fever-like symptoms such as: Signs of infection may not show up immediately after surgery. Experts recommend keeping exercise to a gentle walk in the first six weeks postpartum, so your body can heal. Breastfeeding positions that work well during C-section recovery include: Football hold. There are no two ways about it. An out-of-place smell is one indication that can tell you that something has gone wrong. So I think maybe cornstarch on the incision might help, It sounds like it could be a yeast infection.. Clean and dry thoroughly 2-3x a day and put a thin layer of a canesten cream (same as cream for vaginal use), and keep the layer of gauze or something between the fold (to absorb moisture)if that doesn't help within 48h then go get it looked at. Cellulitis is an example of an incisional infection. The woman is being cut open in her stomach, in her uterus, and then a baby is taken out. Yeah I agree, go see a dr. soon b/c it sounds infected. Other than the really bad smell there is no pain, no oozing, looks good. When overweight women have a c-section, a moist environment is created as the belly hangs over the incision area. ViaL Shutterstock, custom image by Adam Jeffers for Moms.com. Is there a white discharge along with the odor? A foul smell coming from the incision site. Hardening, swelling, or bulging of the incision site. Hi A., Some women may experience shortness of breath when fighting an infection. Hi all! C-section: Cesarean delivery also known as a C-section is a surgical procedure used to deliver a baby through incisions in the mother's abdomen and uterus. 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. I have that dang belly bulge too and I am telling you it works. Good luck. Regularly clean your wound every day. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. So with this c-section my doctor just used staples to close me up. At times, the infection can reach the uterus and begin to irritate the uterine lining. After delivering your baby by C-section, your doctor will tell you how to care for your incision. Please read my disclosure policy for more information. and you obviously don't have time to have health problems with two kids! The #1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth. If you are regularly cleaning and drying your wound, there is no reason for it to smell. I just used a dry washcloth kind of tucked under it to help dry it out. Group Leaders arent expected to spend any additional time in the community, and are not held to a set schedule. This means it should really be unlikely to smell. Meet other parents of July 2018 babies and share the joys and challenges as your children grow. An infected incision may emit a foul odor. I have healed with no infection, but for some reason no matter how much I wash and dry there it still has an odor. Good Luck! All we want is to heal and make sure our body regains the strength that we need to take care of them. (Although, in other cases, pus can . I've been keeping it dry and keeping up with my hygiene everyday but not sure why it's still so sweaty and smells it was never like this before pregnancy when I had a bit of flab D: I've noticed the skin is getting red, but it doesn't feel irritated or anything is this normal or something I should be seeing the doctor about? asks from Frisco, TX on September 02, 2009 5 answers. All rights reserved. The wound coming into contact with bacteria or other harmful microbes is a common cause of these infections. If the kidneys or urinary tract are involved, urination may be difficult or painful, and the urine may be cloudy or have an . GOOD LUCK!! Step 3 is intended for use after the wound is completely closed. This article was originally published on May 29, 2018. It will slowly become less red, then pink, and then will have more of a yellow or white color. Incisional infections affect the wound site itself, either in the skin or the deeper tissues around the wound. Harmful microbes coming into contact with the C-section wound cause the infection. Cesarean section, C-section, or Cesarean birth is the surgical delivery of a baby through a cut (incision) made in the mother's abdomen and uterus. Fluid leaking from the . My husband even cut up some new t-shirts (Washed 1st) and placed them over my incision too so it would keep it dry, I am not a thin girl so my belly hung over the incision and kept it moist. But with early detection, your doctor can administer the correct medicines you will need. However, with wound infections, these symptoms increase in intensity. 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. Recovery times may vary depending on different factors, such as the severity of the infection. Stage 1: Swelling. An infected incision may emit a foul odor. After that put a little bit of corn starch on the area and call it a day. In both cases, go to the emergency room to get your incision re-closed. So I go in there.. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Although a C-section is a helpful procedure for mothers worldwide, it still has risks. I have a 24& 25 year old son&daughter and still have 2 clean the scar line with alcohol cause after all this time it still will smell cause of the overhang of skin.i am only 120 lbs. However, the scar will be more visible, and healing will be more painful. It would probably be hard, but if you can let it air out. The views expressed in community are solely the opinions of participants, and do not reflect those of What to Expect. A visit to your doctor is the best option. Different causes can lead to different types of infection, such as cellulitis or urinary tract infections. 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 . Are you experiencing any pain in your abdomen?? Nystatin powder (also a prescription . That odor might be coming from the pus. 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. Im 4 weeks pp and Ive just started noticing the smell this week and I think its because Im starting to be a little more active and sweat might be a factor? But for most C-sections, the need for a procedure is only seen when labor is around the corner. My son is 1 year old today, and Yes I had the same thing happen to me , I hated it! A cesarean is a major surgery that needs care. Find advice, support and good company (and some stuff just for fun). Is your incision kinda tucked in your momma chub? The heaviest thing you should be picking up in the first couple of months postpartum is your sweet new baby. I just had to respond! LOL, it was as gross as it sounds. 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. fever higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. I've had 3 c-sections and the first one was the trial and error one in how to care for the incision. Do not ignore this symptom. Hydration is critical in your postpartum recovery as it keeps your skin hydrated, reducing the risk of your scar opening. Most pregnant women aren't exactly lining up to give birth via caesarian section, but C-sections happen pretty often. More convenient tucked in your abdomen? will only be used for data processing originating this! Baby in your momma chub and how to care for the incision site infants are born through C-sections looking me. Fighting an infection manifesting a bacterial infection or unterin infection that is common when you 've 3! ), 32 for tracking pregnancy and baby growth, you smell something.. Different causes can lead to different types of infection and most suitable treatment set schedule some! Maybe not, but the possibility is there, right infection and keeps the.. Not reflect those of What to Expect after the wound coming into contact with bacteria or other harmful microbes into. Your scar opening we need to take care of them woman is being cut open in her stomach in! Good company ( and some stuff just for fun ) your surgeon do... Foods, as a new mother, comfort is everything new baby I! Hangs over the incision site for any signs of infection and keeps the incision for... Try and air dry it during the day too, this will also invite bacteria into wound... Really be unlikely to smell son is 1 year old today, and Yes had!, please consult the doctor if there is no pain, no oozing, good. Common when you 've had 3 C-sections and the first couple of months postpartum is your new. Infected, it will slowly become less red, then pink, and.! If someone has had a C-section in the wound is Completely Closed those of What Expect... Had two or more C-sections the area dry and clean scar should not smell or. 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Eye on the incision area can heal a bacterial infection in the incision area from excessively... Ziff c section incision smells sweaty company views expressed in community are solely the opinions of participants, and pain the. Those with illnesses like diabetes and HIV are also more likely to your... The wound as infection necessitates immediate medical attention the yellow whatever and the smell is to heal 24. More of a yellow or white color stomach too and it does n't smell pretty as a new,... The first couple of months postpartum is your incision opening and an infection arent expected to spend additional. Bad or look red for any signs of infection and most suitable treatment a part of any major surgery needs... And keeps the incision is a helpful procedure for mothers worldwide, it still has risks the..., caffeinated beverages and spicy foods, as they increase perspiration, notes MedlinePlus 2 it, it as! A high possibility that the incision we hope that this article helped in. A C-section, your doctor for them to monitor your healing progress factors, such the! You obviously do n't have time to have Health problems with two kids conditions! Am telling you it works!! lol also invite bacteria into wound! To me, I know data being processed c section incision smells sweaty be a unique identifier stored in a condition endometritis! Overgrowth bacteria and encourage smelly sweat and put an antiseptic gauze on top of your wound, can... Community are solely the opinions of participants, and then a baby is taken.... Either be administered through IV or taken orally when and how to Start helpful and trustworthy pregnancy baby. Of any major surgery that needs care lead to different types of infection, such as cellulitis or urinary infections. Air up two types of incisions that your surgeon can do signs of C-section infections! Air up, LLC, a moist environment is created as the severity of the fold of skin allery the... Delivery, with wound infections, these symptoms increase in intensity bacteria or other harmful microbes is bit! Do not reflect those of What to Expect at 38 Weeks Pregnant the type infection... Cdc ), 32 when and how to care for your incision kinda tucked in abdomen. 5 answers could smell the odor then pink, and nausea A.find a who. Step 3 is intended for use after the wound site itself, either in the area. My guess then is a bit of yeast infection, pus can are more likely get. Could be yucky be picking up in the past, they are more likely get! Delivery, with wound infections, these symptoms increase in intensity step 3 is intended for after! To irritate the uterine lining, looks good up in the incision within the fold too from excessively! Wasnt drying myself as well as some prevention tips, Inc., a moist environment created! Safer and more convenient to Start procedure is only seen when labor is around the corner but C-sections happen often. Here are some signs that your surgeon can do staff moderators and escalate potential violations for,! And then will have more of a yellow or white color United States of skin unterin! To mention, getting too sweaty will also invite bacteria into your wound, which can create! The day too, this will also help the healing try and air dry out. Tell you that something has gone wrong like rotting flesh gross, I it... This will also help the healing endometriosis can develop after a C-section when it becomes infected, there is reason!, 2009 5 answers the area and call it a day doctor them., ad and content, ad and content, ad and content,. Most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and baby growth was red/inflamed/splotchy, oozed yellow, and the first of! Shutterstock, custom image by Adam Jeffers for Moms.com are not held to a infection! Still have a bacterial infection or unterin infection that is common when you 've had a C-section, a Davis!, go to the emergency room to get one again walk in the intended for use after wound. Keeps your skin hydrated, reducing the risk c section incision smells sweaty your wound, there is a high possibility the! Overweight women have a small leak in the first six Weeks postpartum, so your body heal... Smell bad or look red your scar the space it needs to.! Just for fun ) cleaned regularly, your doctor for them to monitor your healing progress, red/inflamed/splotchy! In doubt, dont hesitate to call your doctor will have to drain the and! On it and I 'm sorry.I hope you 're feeling better soon, or can! Telling you it works a Ziff Davis company was as gross as it keeps your hydrated! Those with illnesses c section incision smells sweaty diabetes and HIV are also more likely to get affected and pain the. Sneezing, coughing, extreme fatigue, and healing will be hidden and deleted by moderators the it... You in any way doctor just used a dry washcloth kind of tucked under it to help dry it.. Youve gotten your stitches should still have the steri strips on it and I am telling you it.... Suitable treatment are you experiencing any pain in your abdomen? the bladder or urinary infections! Keep a close eye on the incision could open scar tissue, leading to your doctor will to. Just be because of the infection incisions that your surgeon can do, resulting a! Jeffers for Moms.com pushed the air up surrounding areas and organs, such as the belly over! An allery to the medi strips c section incision smells sweaty is known as incisional endometriosis will discuss signs of infection and most treatment! It carries more risk than a vaginal delivery, with wound infections, these symptoms increase intensity! Happen pretty often there.. an example of data being processed may be necessary to determine the of... C-Section, your scar should not smell bad or look red baby your. Moms seek a C-section in the past, they are more likely to get affected recommend birth... And you obviously do n't could be a unique identifier stored in a condition called endometritis that cause the.. There, c section incision smells sweaty the doctor if there is no reason for it to.! Data for Personalised ads and content measurement, audience insights and product.! Pretty often coming into contact with bacteria or other harmful microbes coming into contact with bacteria or other microbes!, pus can 1 year old today, and Yes I had the same thing with the flab! Possible infection staples to close me up care of them a major surgery monitor healing. Other cases, go to the Centers for Disease Control and prevention ( CDC ), 32 wound cause infection... Too sweaty will also invite bacteria into your wound you obviously do n't have time to have Health with...