This Woman Shocked The Internet By Revealing "Postpartum Stink" Is A Thing, So Experts Are Explaining Why This Happens To New Moms

It’s a known fact that women’s bodies can do incredible things, like carrying a child. While many people might openly talk about pregnancy and labor and what to expect, many might not be aware of what happens to the body postpartum.

Last month, a woman named Sarah Biggers-Stewart’s (@thebiggersthebetter) TikTok video talking about “postpartum stink” went viral, receiving almost 3 million views.

In her video, she explained that there are several odors new moms might experience, like BO and lochia — a vaginal discharge that appears after giving birth, which has a stale, musty smell to it.

So many women in the comments of Sarah’s video either related to the postpartum smell that she was referring to or were surprised to just learn of this symptom.

To learn more, I decided to get in touch with a couple of experts: Dr. Greg Marchand, dual board certified in OBGYN and MIGS at Marchand Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery, and Dr. Jillian LoPiano, OBGYN + Chief Health Officer at Wisp, to explain these postpartum smells and what other normal but rarely talked about symptoms a woman might experience after giving birth.

“The reason [for postpartum smell] is the drastic change in hormones occurring as the body no longer supports pregnancy and instead produces milk. This results in a drop in progesterone levels and increased prolactin levels,” Dr. Marchand explained.

“This will change the body’s pH (or level of acidity) and will change the bacteria that live on your skin and in your mouth, vagina and anus. The result is usually a change in body odor. Although all of the normal remedies against body odor (increased showering, more frequent application of antiperspirants, moisture-wicking clothes) can combat these new smells, nothing is dangerous about the change,” he added.

Dr. LoPiano said these smells can last a few months. Dr. Marchand added to that, explaining, “If you’re not breastfeeding, the changes should resolve within six weeks, which is approximately the time it takes for your body to reach its nonpregnant hormonal state. However, if you are breastfeeding, these changes can last longer and may last the entire time you are breastfeeding.”

In addition to having different body odors, other postpartum symptoms can include pain while urinating after giving birth.

“There are several causes for this. First of all, urine can come in contact with the vagina and vulva during urination. As both the vagina and vulva undergo trauma during vaginal delivery, this is likely to cause a stinging pain,” said Dr. Marchand.

“This may be resolved by rinsing with a saltwater solution after urination. Most women delivering also have a urinary catheter, which is a rubber or plastic tube used to empty the bladder, especially when a woman receives epidural or spinal anesthesia,” Dr. Marchand told BuzzFeed

“All of these tend to irritate the urethra, so some irritation can be normal. However, if the irritation lasts more than a few days, or if you have other symptoms of a urinary tract infection, let your doctor know because having had a urinary catheter is a big risk factor for a UTI,” he added.

Another normal but uncomfortable postpartum symptom is cramping.

“Cramping is a normal component of postpartum healing. The uterine muscle contracts to prevent hemorrhage. Additionally, breastfeeding triggers the release of oxytocin, which causes the uterus to contract, so feeding or pumping may result in increased cramping,” Dr. LoPiano told BuzzFeed.

As explained above, women’s hormones drop drastically right after giving birth, which takes a toll on the body. “The most severe [effects of hormones dropping] are on the mind. Mental changes such as depression and blues are unfortunately very common. It is important to be on the lookout for serious mental status changes, such as postpartum psychosis,” said Dr. Marchand.

Breast swelling is another common postpartum symptom.

“Breast engorgement can be uncomfortable; regular feeding and pumping can relieve this discomfort. If you decide to forgo breastfeeding, then ice packs and tight-fitting bras can help while milk supply is going down,” Dr. LoPiano told BuzzFeed.

All of this is to say women’s bodies are incredible and so resilient. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, remember they’re common and are a part of the childbirth experience. However, you know your body best, so if something feels off, make sure to consult your doctor.

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