This woman shocked the internet by revealing the existence of ‘postpartum odor’, so experts are explaining why new moms develop it

It’s no secret that women’s bodies are capable of incredible things, like giving birth to babies. While many people may talk openly about pregnancy and childbirth and what to expect, many may not know what happens to the body after delivery.

Last month, a TikTok video of a woman named Sarah Biggers-Stewart (@thebiggersthebetter) talking about “postpartum odor” went viral, with nearly 3 million views.

In her video, she explains that new moms may experience several odors, such as lochia and lochia — a vaginal discharge that appears after giving birth and has a stale, musty smell.

In the comments to Sarah’s video, many women either related to the postpartum smell she was referring to or were surprised to learn about the symptom.

To learn more, I decided to reach out to a few experts: Dr. Greg Marchand, dual board certified in OB-GYN and MIGS at the Marchand Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery, and Dr. Jillian LoPiano, OB-GYN+ chief health officer at Wisp, explains These postpartum odors are along with other normal but rarely talked about symptoms women may experience after giving birth.

“reason [for postpartum smell] It is the dramatic hormonal change that occurs when the body no longer supports pregnancy and instead produces milk. This causes progesterone levels to drop and prolactin levels to rise,” explains Dr. Marchand.

“This changes the pH (or acidity) of the body and changes the bacteria that live in the skin, mouth, vagina, and anus. The result is usually a change in body odor. Despite all the normal remedies for body odor (increased showering, more frequent These new odors can be combated by regular use of antiperspirants, moisture-wicking clothing, and there is no danger in this change,” he added.

Dr. Lopiano says these odors can last for months. Dr. Marchand adds, “If you’re not breastfeeding, these changes should go away within six weeks, which is about the time it takes for your body to reach a non-pregnant hormonal state. However, if you’re breastfeeding, these changes should go away.” Disappears within six weeks.

In addition to different body odor, other postpartum symptoms include pain when urinating after delivery.

“There are many reasons for this. First, urine comes into contact with the vagina and vulva during urination. Since both the vagina and vulva are traumatized during vaginal delivery, this is likely to cause stinging,” Marchand said.

“Rinsing with saline after urinating can solve this problem. Most women who give birth have a catheter, which is a rubber or plastic tube used to empty the bladder, especially if the woman has an epidural or spinal anesthesia. ,” Dr. Marchand told BuzzFeed

“All of these can irritate the urethra, so some irritation may be normal. However, tell your doctor if the irritation persists for more than a few days or if you have other symptoms of a UTI because you have had one. Catheters are a big risk factor for urinary tract infections,” he added.

Another normal but uncomfortable postpartum symptom is cramping.

“Cramping is a normal part of postpartum healing. The uterine muscles contract to prevent bleeding. Additionally, breastfeeding triggers the release of oxytocin, which causes the uterus to contract, so breastfeeding or pumping may cause increased cramping,” Dr. LoPiano told BuzzFeed.

As mentioned above, women experience a sharp drop in hormones after childbirth, which takes a toll on the body. “The most severe [effects of hormones dropping] It’s all in my heart. Unfortunately, mental changes such as melancholy and melancholy are very common. It is important to be alert for serious mental status changes, such as postpartum psychosis,” Dr. Marchand said.

Breast swelling is another common postpartum symptom.

“Swelling breasts can be uncomfortable; regular feedings and pumping can alleviate this discomfort. If you decide to give up breastfeeding, ice packs and a tight-fitting bra can help if your milk supply drops,” LoPiano Dr. told BuzzFeed.

All of this goes to show that women’s bodies are incredible and resilient. If you experience any of these symptoms, remember that they are common and part of the birth experience. However, you know your body best, so always talk to your doctor if you feel unwell.

Have you experienced these or other symptoms? Share all your postpartum thoughts with me in the comments below!