Postpartum Body Odor: Why Your Armpits Smell So Bad

Postpartum recovery comes with many changes, and not every woman's experience is the same. Here are some common postpartum symptoms that you might experience after giving birth:

• Postpartum bleeding

• Hair loss

• Cramping

• Back pain

• Mood swings or the "baby blues"

• Bloated belly

• Frequent urination

• Swelling of the legs or ankles

• Vaginal discharge

• Breast tenderness

Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby are an urgent warning sign. Get help right away.

What causes postpartum sweating and body odor? 

Giving birth might leave you feeling less than stellar, and unfortunately, unpleasant smells are a common side effect of the recovery after having a baby. Why does postpartum body odor occur?

Shifting hormones during the postpartum period

Feeling a little "funk" after having a baby? Hormones might be to blame!

Just like other big hormonal shifts that a woman goes through (puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, menopause), unpleasant smells tend to be more common. The ever-changing hormones spike in pregnancy and postpartum, and the change can account for extra sweat and the scent of that sweat.

Because women carry around a lot of extra fluids in the body during pregnancy, the first few weeks after giving birth involve a lot of fluid loss. Estrogen and progesterone levels drop significantly in the first weeks postpartum, and that sudden dip in hormones can cause the brain to think you're too hot and cause increased sweating (especially night sweats).

More sweat often means you'll have a stronger smell.

Breastfeeding

For women who choose to breastfeed their new baby, there's a possibility that they will sweat more than women who feed their baby formula. Why is this? The hormone responsible for milk supply, prolactin, suppresses estrogen levels in the body.

Hormones change intensely postpartum, no matter how you feed your baby. However, there seems to be a strong correlation between breastfeeding and increased sweating.

Breastfeeding in the early weeks is a time when the body is trying to figure out how much milk the baby needs. It's common to have an oversupply and leak - and leaked, dried-up milk on your clothing can also have an unpleasant smell!

Lochia (vaginal discharge)

After birth, the body is re-regulating itself. Increased discharge is one common side effect of postpartum recovery. Thankfully, it is totally normal, as the uterus returns to normal after delivery.

Lochia refers to the mixture of blood, mucus, tissue, and anything else in the uterus from pregnancy. It can smell like period blood, but stronger. Some women report it to smell sour, stale, or musty.

It should start heavy and then begin to taper off in the following weeks. Regular showers can help, but lochia is expected for several weeks after birth. If it smells foul, or you have a fever, call your provider. If you are concerned about your postpartum discharge, contact your OB-GYN.

Concerns about hygiene

New parents have a lot to recover from, whether they give birth vaginally or by C-section. The body has to recover from the intense physical ordeal that it went through.

Taking regular showers can be uncomfortable because of tears or swelling from childbirth. It can be painful to go to the bathroom as well. Discomfort is normal, but it can make it more difficult to practice good hygiene - and this can affect a woman's smell.

It's easy to lose track of hygiene and wellness routines when you're busy taking care of a needy newborn, too! Babies require a lot of work and attention, and it can be hard to squeeze in a shower.

Practicing proper hygiene is important for tackling postpartum body odor. Just be careful when bathing - don't use soap inside the vagina, as it needs to heal. Taking a shower regularly and changing into new clothes often can help with odor issues.

Less time for self-care

The first months after having a baby are a whirlwind. Nobody is sleeping, the mother is recovering from the physical trauma of childbirth, and the baby requires endless attention around the clock. This can have a big effect on a woman's ability to take care of herself!

It can be hard to find time to take a shower...let alone do your makeup, practice your skincare regimen, or do your hair. And you're probably wearing the same outfit multiple times.

Give yourself some grace during this time. Hormonal changes are enough to deal with themselves, but adding on more postpartum symptoms can just make everyday life that much more difficult. Not having time to take care of yourself properly can also contribute to odor.

Do not feel bad for reaching out for help! Find a trusted friend or family member who can commit to snuggling your newborn for a few hours a week so you can practice caring for yourself. Change your clothes, find good deodorant, drink extra fluid, care for your skin, and try to get enough sleep!

Postpartum night sweats

Postpartum night sweating is very common - and very annoying. Many women report waking up in the middle of the night with their clothes and bed drenched in sweat! Thankfully, sweating typically isn't a cause for concern - unless it is accompanied by pain, fever, or chills. In that case, it's time to consult your OB-GYN doctor.

Sweating at night can also make it difficult to sleep. Estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate, causing the brain to increase sweat levels.

Night sweat is usually more common in the first weeks following delivery. Hormone levels change drastically during this time, this can contribute to postpartum odor.

How to manage sweat, odor, and smell postpartum

In the first few months postpartum, you'll want to focus on your recovery. Although more sweating can be a frustrating thing to deal with, it comes second to your recovery. Make sure you're healing properly, resting as much as possible, having a good start to your breastfeeding journey, and enjoying all those new baby cuddles.

Here are a few tips for dealing with postpartum smell and odor:

• It’s safe to use deodorants. You can still use deodorants and antiperspirants just as you did before the baby's arrival. You can also look for a stronger product if you want - they are safe. Try to avoid ones with strong scents, and make sure to not use any near the breast area if you are nursing.

• Don't use soap inside of your vagina. Pregnancy and childbirth can change how the vaginal area feels and heals. It might be tempting to "fix" the problem by overusing soap to deal with more postpartum smells, but you should not use soaps internally.

• Don’t over-bathe. You don't need to take 3 showers a day - just be sure to keep yourself clean.

• Change your clothes. Getting dressed is good for your physical and mental health! It can help you feel fresh when dealing with more underarm sweat and stronger body odor.

• Clean yourself after nursing the baby. Wipe off any spilled breast milk.

• Change your bedding frequently. Your bedding can be full of sweat, baby spit-up, leaked breast milk, and more - be sure to wash it often!

• Wash your underarms every day. Soap and water clear away the bacteria that turn sweat into odor, even on days when a full shower isn't happening.

   

• Wear loose cotton or moisture-wicking layers. They let your skin breathe and dry faster.

   

• Set up your bed for night sweats. Light cotton pajamas, breathable sheets, a towel under you and a fan or open window can all help.

   

• Keep drinking water. You're losing fluid through sweat (and milk, if you're breastfeeding).

When to Worry About Postpartum Odor 

When should you talk to a doctor about body odor changes?

Sweating and a stronger body smell on their own usually aren't a sign of anything serious. Call your OB-GYN or midwife if:

• You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills. After birth, fever, chills or pain can be signs of an infection.
• Your vaginal discharge (lochia) smells foul, rather than musty or like your period.
• Something smells bad and you also have pain or irritation, body aches or extreme tiredness.
• Your body odor or sweating changes suddenly.
• Drenching night sweats are lasting longer than three weeks after birth.

CDC lists a fever of 100.4°F or higher and vaginal discharge that smells bad as urgent warning signs in the year after delivery. If you notice either one, get medical care right away instead of waiting for your postpartum checkup.

Postpartum odor issues are just a women's health issue that many experience after having a baby - and typically, it's nothing to stress about! 

The first year postpartum often brings big changes to the body. You're shedding water weight, dealing with fluctuating postpartum hormones, having annoying night sweats, and many other symptoms that can contribute to perfectly normal odor issues. Don't stress. You won't be funky forever! Just make sure you're drinking lots of fluids, resisting the urge to overwash, and taking care of your physical and mental health.

Sources:

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/postpartum-sweating

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24631-postpartum-night-sweats

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17865-body-odor

https://www.cdc.gov/hearher/maternal-warning-signs/index.html