First Time Mom of Girl with Embarrasing Question

Updated on February 10, 2008
B.S. asks from Tampa, FL
25 answers

My daughter is 5 months old and I've recently noticed an odor coming from her vagina. The creases around it also have a slight odor. I bathe her every night and I change her diapers very frequently. During bath time I pay extra attention to the diaper area so I'm wondering why this is happening. My sisters all have boys so they can't tell me if it's normal or not. Should I call the Dr? It doesn't appear irritated, but there still could be something wrong.

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So What Happened?

Thank you all for your advice and your time. Her Dr. recommended 2 sitz baths a day in baking soda and a+d oinmtent. The smell seems to be disappearing! I'm blow drying her diaper area gently with each diaper change and that seems to be helping as well. If it continues, I'll call the Dr. back, but I don't want her on any unecessary medicines.

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S.J.

answers from Sarasota on

She might have a yeast infection, it doesn't have to be irritated to have one. I wouldcontact the doctor and in general try to keep these creases extra by rubbing baby powder in them at diaper changes.

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S.S.

answers from Sarasota on

Although it's probably not common, it is possible for her to have a yeast infection, since diaper rash is another form of a yeast infection. If not that, she could have an allergy to the soap you are using on her or it may have thrown off the Ph inside her vagina. I would contact her pediatrician and, in the mean time, would just wash that area with plain water. That's really all that is necessary anyway. Hope this is helpful.

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A.C.

answers from Tampa on

You are probably paying too much attention to that area and she may have a yeast infection. Babies need very little cleaning in that area and you should never use harse soaps on a baby. Warm water and a small amount of soap is all that's needed. Natural oils are very important in keeping us healthy and cleaning too much can strip away important and necessary oils and such. I would ask a doctor and ask your doctor about bathing and how much to clean. Plain water is probably enough for a new baby...they aren't getting very dirty after all. Good luck!

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J.K.

answers from Panama City on

babies get yeast infection very easy. call your doctor and have it checked. it is nothing to worry about, she'll just have you get the cream for it.

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T.V.

answers from Jacksonville on

My daughter was born 8/23/2007 and her pediatrician instructed me not to bathe her every day, but rather every other day. She gets a bath about 5-6 times a week, but the pediatrician also told me to give her probiotic supplements everyday as well because babies intestines are not fully developed and even though I am breastfeeding it is still necc. and good for the development of the intestines. Probiotics are also stop yeast infections as well. The live cultures that are in plain yogurt are probiotics. I'm giving my baby 1/8 tsp 2ce a day. I mix the powder with water and just put it on a baby spoon (its not very much at all, its like, the tip of the baby spoon and she doesn't even notice its in her mouth).

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M.H.

answers from Fort Walton Beach on

Hi B.,

If she has a white coating on her tongue (Thrush), this could be an extension of the yeast infection in her mouth. Thrush is common but needs to be taken care of because it can become uncomfortable and will upset her digestion. A probiotic or even some unflavored, unsweetened, plain yogurt (not artificially-sweetened sugar-free) added to her diet will help. If it is yeast and you want to get more aggressive, let me know and I can give you more specifics on what you can do.

Regards,

M.

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J.P.

answers from Tampa on

I think that sounds very normal. That area hardly gets any air to breathe..the creases especially. If it is super strong then maybe she has an infection, but just a "slight" odor sounds about right.

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R.C.

answers from Orlando on

it coul dbe hormonal if you are breast feeding too.. some baby girls even bledd alittle vaginally after birth. Let her go diaper free as much as possible and in a day or so if it doesnt go away make an appt. or see if oyu can call in the problem/concern with out having to go in.

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S.H.

answers from Tampa on

That's not embarrassing! In fact, when your daughter starts swimming in a pool - this happens quite a bit! My girls have had flare-ups with yeast all their lives ... just seems to happen sometimes.

It does sound like a yeast situation though you should alert your pediatrician to it as there are different types and treatment courses differ - i.e. bacterial would not respond to an over-the-counter-cream such as monistat. When she is old enough to eat yogurt - that will help too to counteract the acidity in her system to keep things "in check".

Good luck. How's the stranger thing coming along?

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R.H.

answers from Tampa on

Yes, you should take her to the doctor. Girls even as young as your daughter can get vaginal infections. It needs to be treated soon.

Good Luck,
R..

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R.D.

answers from Orlando on

Dear B.
This needs to be seen by Doctor
As it Might be something that you need to tend to .
And then you would have him to answer your important question.
I have many children and lots of girl Grand-babies and Great Grand Babies and I would take one of my Babies right away to Doctor
Take Care
R. D

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J.W.

answers from Gainesville on

I've noticed a slight odor before with my boys and my girl in their leg creases and underarms when they were babies. It seemed to me like it might just be an accumulation of sweat and/or dead skin so I paid attention when I was washing them and made sure to keep it very clean and dry it carefully. If it seems like that might be it I wouldn't worry about it, but if you really think the odor is actually coming from the vagina you may want to have the doctor check it out--it could be an infection.

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C.C.

answers from Jacksonville on

she might have a yeast infection. diapers do the same thing with little girls that underwear do to women. make sure she is dry and change her often. you'll need to take her to the doctor initially, though. she'll be fine.

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R.J.

answers from Tampa on

B.,

I have a little girl who is 21 months old and I have never noticed an oder coming from that area. I would take her to the Doctor, I mean you never know she could have a yeast infection or a UTI? I went to the Doctor one time for my daughters check up and he said that this little girl was running a slight temp and they couldn't figure out what was wrong and she had a UTI (urinary track infection) of course she was so little she couldn't even talk yet so they just ran some test and found out that way. At the very least I would call the Ped. and talk to one of hte nurses and see what they say. Good luck and I am sure it's nothing but better to have it looked at.

R. J.

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B.G.

answers from Naples on

B., it could be because you are spending the extra time in that area during bathtime that's causing the irritation, especially if you're using scented babybath. That isn't even good for grown-up girls! I would indeed visit your pediatrician and discuss that, as well as diet, and to get it cleared up if there is an infection. Just dont forget to replace her good bacteria if the doctor puts her on antibiotics.

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J.J.

answers from Orlando on

definitely NOT an embarrassing question! =)

all us girls have our own slight odors, and as was said earlier that area just doesn't get enough air for little girls who are in diapers all the time.

my 5 month old just started getting the same thing, but it's hardly noticeable (i first noticed it at bath time when we play before getting in the water, this also serves as some time for her to 'air out' a little). her feet have started to smell a little sweaty too from socks all day hahahaha. what i do, is i give her a little nakie time, no diapers or anything, and give her a massage to some music a few times a week (which she adores, but DO put a towel under her because she will pee 9 times outta 10).

my sofia is breastfed, and ever since she was born she has been REALLY sensitive to yeast. so, i have had to cut back on my sweet-tooth significantly, as well as pastas, breads, etc. anything sugary or yeasty can cause candida, whether it manifests as acne, diaper rash, or yeast infections depends on each individual. remember, everybody is different.

i doubt what your describing is a big deal at all, merely an observation on your part. if it gets REALLY nasty and noticeable, then ok, there's something to be worried about and it's probably just a mild yeast infection (which can be remedied by a change in diet right away). when sofia DID get thrush, and diaper rash, within JUST TWO DAYS of my changing my diet (and sticking with it strictly) the rash was gone (the thrush waned away a little moer slowly, about three weeks at most. but don't don't DON'T take her right away to the pediatrician so that they can just pump her with antibiotics and anti fungal medication, you'll need those antibiotics later and overdoing it now would be a major mistake. i wash my daughter every night (it's part of our bedtime routine as per her request haha), but with only warm water (i use soap maybe three times a week and soooo little at a time).

best of luck to you in your amazing new adventure!!!

and try not to worry so much =) have fun

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K.G.

answers from Wausau on

Dear B.,
Congrats on the baby girl... I am a mother oth four with one on the way. I have 2 daughters and soon to be 3 boys. My brother also has 5 daughters whom I watched all the time till my resent move. The smell you are smelling is probably a Yeast infection...My 18 month old daughter gets them quite often and yes it is normal. Call your pediatrician and ask what meds you can buy over the counter for it and he or she will tell you what is safe for a five month old.
The docter might ask you to come in and give you a prescription for it as well.
I hope I have helped in someway,
Write anytime you have a question...
K.

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T.R.

answers from Orlando on

Dont be embarrased there are so many weird things that go on with a baby's body. I have a boy but I did a lot of research when I was pregnant with him because we thought he was a girl! Anyway, I know that when an girl is born she still has a lot of the mothers estrogen in her body. Some baby girls actually have what looks like a period and some have discharge just like you or I would have. Now if the odor is very bad, like an infection or something then yea I would be worried. If it is just kind of like ewww what is that then I would keep the area clean and DRY and watch for a few days. If she starts getting a rash or it seems to be bothering her it is possible she has a yeast infection. Bathing a baby girl can cause yeast infections a lot. Make sure you are not using anything harsh in the water. Personally I did not put any baby bubbles or anything in the water and dont let her soak for too long. You have to imagine what would happen to us if we bathed every single night and maybe more than that. I know I would get a yeast infection!!! Take care and remember with a new baby no question is too silly to ask

Good Luck

T.

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K.W.

answers from Pensacola on

give her more water her urine could be stronger than normal! It would give her an odor if her urine is to strong!

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M.S.

answers from Fort Walton Beach on

call your doctor..that's what they're here for

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M.H.

answers from Orlando on

i had the same thing with my little girl and the pediatrician said it was fine. there is just a lot of skin in the area and it does not get to breath much. i would ask my doc anyway just to be sure.
don't forget to let your daughter have some diaper free time everyday.

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K.H.

answers from Lakeland on

It's quite possibly a yeast infection. And nothing to be embarrased by -- it's not that uncommon with babies -- sometimes I think it's called thrush, as well. If she has it, you may have it as well, especially if you're nursing her? May want to talk to a doctor about getting rid of it. It's a systemic thing, and is probably in her mouth and other mucus membrane areas as well, even if it doesn't show up there real obviously. You don't need to be alarmed about it, but do talk to your pediatrician about it. No sugars of any kind, because that helps yeast grow!
Glad you're taking time off to enjoy your baby!

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R.

answers from Tampa on

Sounds like a yeast infection. I have heard of baby girls getting this. Here is one link I found on the subject. http://www.babycenter.com/0_yeast-infection_10913.bc there are many more. They suggest an over the counter cream. If it doesn't clear up in a few days call your doctor.

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V.R.

answers from Tampa on

Hello Mom of 5 month old B.,
Even though you are embarrased about the question /concerns about your daughters irratation /odor/ from her vigina.Let me tell you you will get use to asking all sorts of questions no matter if it's ask to a doctor friend or stranger like me.It is very good you take notice to all part of you daughters body parts especially that area.Below are some questions you can ask your self
1.Is the bathing area I put her in or on clean or does it just look clean enough should I rinse it clean longer ?2.Is my hands sterilized enough to touch her there or does it just seem to look clean enough or do I need to wash them and dry them again?3.Could the soaps (Baby washes)I bath her with be to strong for my baby's body(Sensitive skin)4,Do I rinse her area very clear or does soap remain on her after bathing her?Who touches her besides me are the others hands clean as they should be ?Are everybody that touches or change her diapers or bathes her have sterile and clean enough hands /fingernails cleanest or does the nails and hands just appear clean enougha far as you can tell? .Do I make sure everbody washes ther hand before they bathe change my daughter or even feed her?(germs travels from all parts of the body of people? Bottom line is a baby's skin is very very sensitive especially in those areas and yeast can play a role in girls especially .Be very careful even if signs are gone keep her areas treated as though it still there(Preventative measures).Always know what you or anyone has put their hands on before touching her and how you/they wipe her front part and bottom part don't wash her back then front of body in those areas of a baby's or even adults because fecies(Germs) might jump into these area and cause many many problems and infections galore.If you are not sure don't wait too long take her into a qualified doctors(PEDIATRICS) office without hesitation time is precious and so is your daughter. Sincerely a caring person"Vee" God bless and Congratulations!!!

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A.H.

answers from Tampa on

Hello, My Name is angela and I have raised all my kids and I help alot with all my granddaughters so I feel like Iam pretty qualified to help 1st of all its probably not a good sign if there is oder coming from an infant especially if you bath here every night, I am difinetely not a DR. but i recommend you take her to the Dr..It could be a yeast infection which is common in baby girls are it could be something more serious please let me know how the Dr visit goes
GOOD LUCK ANGELA

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