Does anyone eat the placenta

We do know that it's possible for placenta to become infected with bacteria and viruses — either while raw or during processing. In , a newborn contracted group B strep when her breastfeeding mom took placenta capsules contaminated with the bacteria.

As a result, the CDC warns against taking placenta capsules. Other concerns about the safety of eating placenta focus on what else — besides bacteria and viruses — the placenta may contain. For example, if a woman had preeclampsia , could the stress proteins contained in her placenta be harmful if consumed? Or, since the placenta protects the baby from exposure to harmful substances such as heavy metals, could these be in the placenta and make it unsafe to eat?

On the other hand, a large study of the records of 23, births from the Midwives Alliance of North America Statistics Project concluded that the 30 percent of women who ate their placenta had no worse health outcomes — for themselves or their baby — than women who didn't.

Proponents point to the fact that eating placenta is common among other animals and in some cultures. It's understandable that women are interested in eating placenta to speed their postpartum recovery and avoid postpartum depression. Keep in mind, though, that there are many proven, safe strategies to stay healthy after birth and reduce the stress of being a new mom.

For example, you can:. BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing.

Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies. Benyshek DC et al. Placentophagy among women planning community births in the United States: Frequency, rationale, and associated neonatal outcomes. Notes from the field: Late-onset infant Group B Streptococcus infection associated with maternal consumption of capsules containing dehydrated placenta.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Farr A. Human placentophagy: A review. Gryder LK, et al. Effects of human maternal placentophagy on maternal postpartum iron status: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study.

Johnson SK Human placentophagy: Effects of dehydration and steaming on hormones, metals and bacteria in placental tissue. Placenta Johnson SK. Placenta — Worth trying? Human maternal placentophagy: Possible benefit and potential risks. Geburtshilfe und Frauenheilkunde 78 9 : Morris E et al. A matched cohort study of postpartum placentophagy in women with a history of mood disorders: No evidence for impact on mood, energy, vitamin B12 levels, or lactation.

Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada 41 9 : Mota-Rojas et al. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references Farr A, et al. Human placentophagy: A review. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Schuette SA, et al. Perspectives from patients and healthcare providers on the practice of maternal placentophagy.

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Gryder LK, et al. Effects of human maternal placentophagy on maternal postpartum iron status: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. Buser GL, et al. Notes from the field: Late-onset infant Group B streptococcus infection associated with maternal consumption of capsules containing dehydrated placenta — Oregon, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Accessed July 17, Placentophagy among women planning community births in the United States: Frequency, rationale, and associated neonatal outcomes. See also Baby brain Breast-feeding and medications Breast-feeding nutrition: Tips for moms Breast-feeding support C-section recovery Exercise after pregnancy Getting in shape after having a baby Kegel exercises Lactation suppression Low milk supply Returning to work after maternity leave Postpartum care: After a vaginal delivery Postpartum complications Pregnancy and breast-feeding with psoriasis Sagging breasts after breast-feeding Sex after pregnancy: Set your own timeline Weight loss after pregnancy Show more related content.

Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. Farr and his review team also note that expectant mothers with an interest in placentophagy should be warned of the potential risks that the practice poses. However, speaking in , Dr. Clark said that the decision to engage in placentophagy should ultimately be down to the mother. And so my concern for them would be this is unknown territory. The general consensus is that, at present, there is simply not enough evidence to say whether or not placentophagy is good or bad for postnatal health.

But given the anecdotal evidence, many women believe that more new mothers should give it a try. Writing in a blog on the parenting site Romper earlier this year, mother-of-two Sarah Bregel talks about her experience with using placenta encapsulation to help ward off postpartum depression.

I found it kind of amazing to use something my own body had made, rather than throwing it out with the trash. What are your thoughts on placentophagy? Have you tried it? If so, how did it affect you? Feel free to add your comments to this article. Fetal macrosomia is a condition wherein a baby is born at a heavier birth weight than usual. Learn more about fetal macrosomia here.

A study links air pollution to almost 6 million premature births each year. Indoor air pollution is responsible for two-thirds of these perinatal…. Amniotic fluid embolism is a dangerous pregnancy complication that develops due to a severe allergic reaction.

Learn more about it, including symptoms,. Pregnancy dreams can be more realistic, detailed, or frightening than usual. However, they are not usually a cause for concern. Learn more here. A baby sonogram, or fetal ultrasound, is an image to check the sex, motion, or development of a growing fetus.

Placenta: A 'superfood' or a dietary fad? Share on Pinterest Placentophagy is increasing in popularity, but does it offer health benefits? The purpose of the placenta. Share on Pinterest The placenta is crucial for a healthy pregnancy. Placenta-in-a-pill or placenta patties? Share on Pinterest Encapsulation is the most common method of placentophagy.

The potential benefits of placentophagy. Share on Pinterest Placentophagy advocates claim that the practice increases breast milk supply.