Dead Body Bloated: Why do dead bodies get bloated?

3-5 days after death, the body starts to bloat and blood-containing foam leaks from the mouth and nose.

8-10 days after death, the body turns from green to red as the blood decomposes and the organs in the abdomen accumulate gas.

Dead Body Bloated: Why do dead bodies get bloated?

Rigor mortis initially sets in and cells break down as the lack of oxygen and nutrients prevents them from replenishing themselves.

When bacteria in the gut can no longer be kept in check, they start to reproduce and feed on the body. This produces gas that causes the abdomen to bloat.

The bloated body eventually collapses, leaving a flattened body whose flesh has a creamy consistency.

The exposed parts of the body are black in color and there is a very strong smell of decay. A large volume of body fluids drain from the body at this stage and seep into the surrounding soil.