Is it normal for the vagina to smell after giving birth? Yes. Postpartum bleeding (lochia) may have a metallic or stronger odor in the first few weeks after giving birth. This is because the uterus is healing. However, a very strong or putrid odor may be a sign of infection and should be investigated.

The last few weeks of your pregnancy you may have felt heavy. You may have felt a little embarrassed; water in your feet, soreness, heaviness, breasts that are starting to leak. Here after giving birth you are more than ready for a little ✨ glow up ✨Or maybe that's saying a lot, knowing that your sleep is probably disturbed, you don't have time to wash your hair, etc. 

But you're ready to have your body back - not to be inhabited by anyone but yourself. Cut to after you give birth: Your body doesn't feel the way it once did. And it definitely doesn't smell the way it once did, either. One is the sweat - all the fluid in the body that needs to come out, the lack of baths. But the lower abdomen?! Why hasn't anyone said that it can have a pretty *spicy* smell after giving birth?

It's quite normal, and now we'll take you through why it happens, how long you can expect it to last - but also an insight into when it's not normal: When you should contact your doctor.

Written by journalist Cathrine Widunok Wichmand
The content of this article has been verified by Pernille Jessen,
nurse and breastfeeding counselor behind Mamaflow

What does postpartum bleeding (lochia) normally smell like?

You have given birth to a child - maybe even more. Now the placenta needs to come out. If you give birth vaginally, you also give birth to the placenta in the same way. If you give birth by caesarean section, the placenta comes out in the same way as your baby. The placenta should come out without any problems, but where it was attached to the uterus, there is now a wound that needs to heal.

Once the placenta is delivered, the uterus will start to contract (afterbirth pains?! HELLO?! Ouch!), and this will result in a continuous flow (no pun intended) of bleeding for the weeks that follow. Postpartum bleeding, also called lochia, is the bleeding that comes from the uterus after childbirth and typically lasts 2–8 weeks.

👉 Read about postpartum bleeding and what lochia is in the article here.

So what can you expect from postpartum bleeding?

• The first days: The bleeding is bright red and may smell a little iron-like, like a heavier period.

• After 1–2 weeks: The color will become more brownish or yellowish (think of the process a wound goes through - from fresh blood to brown blood, to healing), and the amount will decrease. The smell may change, but should still be reminiscent of menstrual blood.

• After 4–6 weeks: Most people stop bleeding completely.

A slight metallic or “irony” smell from the blood is completely normal. And it can also have a little… zing to it. Smell a little… Spicy… Earthy from the abdomen. Remember: A wound is healing.
In addition, sweat, discharge and lack of air circulation from pads and postpartum diapers can also contribute to the lower abdomen smelling different than before.

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When is odor after birth a sign of infection?

So a different smell from the vagina is quite normal after giving birth. BUT - an unpleasant smell can also be one of several indications that something is not quite right. So what signs can indicate that something is not quite right?

Signs of infection after birth:

• Very strong or rotten smell
  

• Fever above 38 degrees
  

• Increasing pain in the lower abdomen
  

• Greenish or very yellowish discharge
  

• Persistent heavy bleeding, possibly with large clots of blood
  

• Bleeding that increases in intensity after decreasing over time

If you experience one or more of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor or maternity unit immediately. These could be signs of an infection in the uterus or a placenta that has not come out during labor.

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How to reduce odor after giving birth?

We wish there was a lot more focus on how to take care of yourself postpartum. Giving birth is a feat of strength. Whether it's vaginal or by cesarean section (it's a damn good operation - postpartum care is even more important here). What the body goes through is MASSIVE. And in the "old days" in Denmark, it was quite common to lie in the maternity bed for several weeks - preferably with a week to ten days in the hospital first. 

Today, things happen quickly. Quickly in. Quickly out. So it requires more of us to give our bodies the care they need.

So here are a number of areas you can pay attention to yourself:

• Change postpartum pads often to prevent bacteria from growing. The same applies to your menstrual panties, if you use them postpartum. Rinse and change - often. 

• Rinse or shower your lower abdomen with lukewarm water instead of using strong soaps. Gentle spray, right?

• Provide air to your lower abdomen occasionally – for example by lying without panties on, possibly on a towel if you are bleeding continuously.

• Rest, fluids and nutritious food – that's all. The body has delivered a magnificent performance. It is still in full swing of healing. 

Take care of yourself. It's completely normal for your vagina to smell different after giving birth – especially due to postpartum bleeding. However, if the smell becomes very strong, putrid, or accompanied by fever, pain, or abnormal discharge, you should see a doctor. 

From here, a really soft and nice healing should sound for you. Forget about *bounce back* , honey: There's no going back. You're forever changed. And yes, a little the same. And quite different, yes, it's complicated. But that's you <3 

Frequently asked questions about odor after birth

Is it normal for the abdomen to smell after giving birth?

Yes. Postpartum bleeding (lochia) may have a metallic or stronger odor in the first few weeks. This is because the uterus is healing and the body is shedding blood and tissue.

How long can postpartum bleeding smell?

Lochia typically lasts 2–6 weeks. The smell changes as the bleeding decreases, going from red to brownish and later more yellowish or clear.

What does lochia normally smell like?

Lochia often smells iron-like or slightly stronger than a normal period. It should not smell putrid or very strongly unpleasant.

When is odor after birth a sign of infection?

Contact your doctor if the smell is very strong or putrid and is accompanied by fever, chills, increasing pain, or greenish discharge. These may be signs of an infection in the uterus.

How can I reduce odor after giving birth?

Change pads or menstrual panties frequently, rinse with lukewarm water instead of soap, and allow air to circulate around your vagina. Avoid perfumed products.

👉 Read our guide on how to best wash your menstrual panties.

Can you use tampons during postpartum bleeding?

It is not recommended to use tampons during postpartum bleeding, as the uterus is still healing and the risk of infection may be increased.

Referencer: Sundhed.dk, NHS - Lochia (postbirth bleeding), Mayo Clinic - Postpartum Complications, Cleveland Clinic - Lochia