The placenta is a specialized, temporary organ that develops during pregnancy, acting as the life support system for the fetus. This disc-shaped structure attaches to the uterine wall, connecting to the baby via the umbilical cord. Its primary function is to facilitate the exchange of oxygen and nutrients from the parent’s bloodstream to the baby and remove waste products. After birth, the placenta is expelled in the third stage of labor, leading to decisions about its disposition based on personal, cultural, and health considerations.
How People Choose to Use the Placenta
One of the most common practices is placentophagy, which involves consuming the placenta, typically through encapsulation. This process requires steaming and dehydrating the tissue before grinding it into a fine powder and placing it into capsules. Some people choose to consume it raw, cooked, or in smoothies, often intending to gain health benefits.
Beyond consumption, many people retain the placenta for ceremonial or symbolic purposes. Families may opt for a ritual burial, sometimes planting a tree over the site as a memorial to the birth. The umbilical cord can also be dried and shaped into a keepsake, or small pieces of the placenta or cord can be incorporated into jewelry.
For those interested in future medical use, the blood remaining in the umbilical cord and sometimes the placental tissue itself can be collected. This material can be stored through commercial stem cell banking for potential later therapeutic application.
Evaluating the Health Claims
Proponents of placentophagy claim it delivers several physical and psychological benefits to the postpartum parent. These claims include improving postpartum mood, preventing postpartum depression, boosting energy levels, and increasing milk supply. It is also purported to replenish lost iron and aid recovery due to its supposed concentration of hormones and nutrients.
However, systematic reviews of available research have found no scientific evidence to support these health claims in humans. The process of steaming and dehydrating the tissue for encapsulation destroys much of the hormonal content. The remaining levels of iron and other nutrients are generally not sufficient to provide a clinical benefit, leading researchers to conclude that any perceived benefits are likely attributable to a strong placebo effect.
Safety Concerns and Medical Consensus
The primary concern associated with consuming the placenta is the potential for infection and the transfer of pathogens. The placenta is exposed to bacteria from the birth canal, and improper handling or preparation may fail to eradicate infectious agents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a warning after a newborn developed recurrent Group B Streptococcus sepsis linked to contaminated capsules the parent was ingesting.
The placenta also functions as a filter during pregnancy, meaning it can accumulate environmental toxins and heavy metals like mercury and lead. Ingesting the organ could expose the postpartum parent to these bioaccumulated substances, posing an unquantified health risk. Furthermore, the industry surrounding placenta encapsulation is largely unregulated, meaning there are no standardized safety protocols for preparation, storage, or dosing.
Given the absence of proven human health benefits and the documented risks, major medical organizations do not endorse placentophagy. These include the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the CDC. Physicians are advised to inform patients that the practice is potentially harmful with no documented clinical advantage, and the medical consensus is to discourage consumption entirely.
Navigating Hospital Retention Policies
If you choose to keep the placenta, you must inform the healthcare team early in the pregnancy and upon admission for delivery. Hospitals typically manage the placenta as medical waste, so specific procedural steps must be followed to ensure its release. This usually requires the parent to sign an informed consent or release form officially requesting the organ for personal use.
Hospital policies vary but often require specific container sealing and prompt removal after delivery. Because the placenta contains blood and degrades quickly, it must be handled safely and refrigerated immediately upon leaving the facility to minimize germ growth. In certain cases, such as maternal infectious diseases or if a pathological examination is required, the hospital may be legally unable to release the placenta.
The decision of what to do with the placenta is a personal one, balancing emotional or cultural intent against the lack of scientific support for health claims. It is advisable to have an open discussion with a healthcare provider about any intended use. This ensures a full understanding of both the logistical requirements and the potential health implications of the choice.