Postpartum can be a wonderful, but also challenging, time for new moms. When I had my first baby, I was completely unaware of all the changes my body would go through and I didn’t have anyone I could talk to about it.
When I was pregnant, I read all the books and articles I could get my hands on about what to expect during pregnancy and childbirth. But somehow, vaginal odor didn’t seem to be something that anyone wanted to talk about, also known as partum odor.
I remember googling ” vaginal odor after giving birth” and getting very few results. The few articles that did pop up were about postpartum vaginal odor being an indication of a health problem, which made me even more anxious.
It was embarrassing, and I didn’t want to bring it up with my doctor because I thought maybe I was doing something wrong. Turns out, vaginal odor is a completely normal part of postpartum life!
It wasn’t until I talked to my OB-GYN that I learned that postpartum vaginal odor is actually quite common and nothing to be concerned about. She explained that the changes in hormones during pregnancy and after childbirth can cause the vaginal pH balance to become disrupted, which can lead to an increase in vaginal odor.
Here are three things I wish I had known about vaginal odor and postpartum life:
- Vaginal odor is normal
- It’s nothing to be embarrassed about
- There are ways to manage it
Vaginal odor is caused by the changes in hormones that occur during pregnancy and after childbirth. The increase in estrogen during pregnancy causes the vaginal walls to thin and become more lubricated, which can lead to an increase in vaginal discharge. This increased discharge can cause the vaginal area to become moister, which creates the perfect environment for bacteria to grow.
This can lead to vaginal dryness, itching, and burning. All of these symptoms can contribute to vaginal odor.
While the vaginal odor is normal, there are ways to manage it. Wearing breathable cotton underwear and avoiding tight-fitting clothes can help to keep the area dry. Avoiding douching and scented hygiene products can also help to reduce vaginal odor. If you’re concerned about vaginal odor, talk to your doctor or midwife. They can provide you with information and resources to help you manage it.
Now that I’m postpartum, I’ve realized that vaginal odor is actually a pretty common issue for women who have just given birth. It’s caused by a number of factors, including changes in hormone levels, vaginal discharge, and sweating.
If you’re experiencing vaginal odor after giving birth, don’t panic! There are a few things you can do to help get rid of the smell.
First, be sure to practice good hygiene by washing the area with mild soap and water. You can also try using a vaginal probiotic, which can help balance the vaginal pH and reduce odor-causing bacteria. If you’re breastfeeding, try to empty your breasts regularly to prevent milk from leaking and causing vaginal odor. Finally, don’t forget to wear breathable cotton underwear to help keep things dry down there.
Be sure to schedule an appointment with your doctor if you have tried all these steps and the odor persists. Vaginal odor is usually nothing to be worried about, but in rare cases, it can be a sign of an infection. Your doctor will be able to determine if you have an infection and provide you with the appropriate treatment.
In case of infection, treatment will usually involve a course of antibiotics. Don’t rush in and start taking those medications on your own, though. Make sure you talk to your doctor first so that they can properly diagnose the problem because taking antibiotics can have serious side effects.
I remember feeling depressed, anxious, and embarrassed as a first-time mom, and I didn’t know how to handle the situation. Everything felt overwhelming, but I eventually realized that all the things I was experiencing are normal, and I learned to take everything one step at a time.
I also talked with my friends and family about what I was going through, and they were able to provide support and understanding. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone in this journey, and there are people who care about you and want to help. I needed people to care for the baby while I was scheduling an appointment with my doctor, and everyone was eager to help!
There are also a lot of online communities where you can find support and advice from other moms who have been through the same thing. These communities can be a great resource, and it’s helpful to know that you’re not the only one dealing with vaginal odor and to find out stories about how people managed to overcome this problem.
Postpartum vaginal odor is nothing to be ashamed of – it’s perfectly normal!
Postpartum life comes with a lot of changes, both physically and emotionally. It can be a difficult time, but it’s also a time to bond with your new baby and adjust to your new role as a mom. By being prepared for the challenges, you can make the postpartum period a little bit easier. Armed with the right information, you can get through anything! Vaginal odor is just one of many issues you may face during this time, but it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. There are ways to manage it, so don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor or midwife if you’re concerned. With their help, you’ll be able to take care of yourself and your new baby.
So there you have it! Everything you need to know about postpartum vaginal odor. Remember, it’s normal, nothing to be embarrassed about, and there are ways to manage it. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to talk to your doctor. With a little time and effort, you should be able to get rid of that postpartum vaginal odor for good!