In a recent warning, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cautioned new mothers against consuming their placenta in pill form. This advisory follows the case of a healthy baby, born in September, that contracted Group B Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) bacteremia—a severe blood infection—after the mother ingested placenta capsules.
The trend of consuming placenta after childbirth has gained traction in recent years, largely due to endorsements from parenting influencers and celebrities like Emily Johnson and Sarah Thompson. Proponents claim that consuming placenta can alleviate postpartum depression, enhance milk production, and boost energy levels. However, the scientific community remains skeptical, as there is no substantial evidence to substantiate these claims. The Mayo Clinic notes, “Advocates point to some research suggesting potential benefits for postpartum women, but these studies often lack robust evidence and typically rely on animal studies or anecdotal reports.”
In the case highlighted by the CDC, the infant was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and treated with antibiotics for 11 days, only to become reinfected after returning home and breastfeeding from her mother, who was continuing to consume the placenta pills. “Three days post-delivery, the mother began taking two capsules three times a day of her dehydrated, encapsulated placenta,” the CDC reported. Investigations into the placenta pills revealed the presence of GBS, prompting CDC researchers to advise the mother to cease consumption immediately. Following this recommendation, the baby received another round of antibiotics and successfully recovered.
One significant concern raised by the CDC is the lack of standardized processing methods for placenta capsules. “The encapsulation process does not eliminate all infectious pathogens; therefore, ingestion of placenta capsules is discouraged,” the CDC warns. GBS, which is typically harmless to adults, can pose severe risks to newborns with immature immune systems.
For those looking for more information on related topics, you may find our post on home insemination kits helpful, as well as resources from the NHS on pregnancy and IVF.
In summary, the consumption of placenta pills carries potential health risks for newborns, particularly concerning infections like GBS. The CDC strongly advises against this practice, highlighting the absence of regulation in the preparation of placenta capsules and emphasizing the need for further research into their safety and efficacy.
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