Is Placenta Encapsulation Safe? Risks Parents Should Know
Content reviewed against published CDC, ACOG, NIH guidelines
Last reviewed:
Your health matters just as much as your baby's. If you are dealing with is placenta encapsulation safe? risks parents should know, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
There is no scientific evidence that placenta encapsulation provides health benefits, and it carries documented risks. The CDC investigated a case where a newborn developed late-onset Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection linked to the mother's contaminated placental capsules. The encapsulation process does not reliably kill bacteria, and the placenta can harbor GBS, E. coli, and other pathogens. The AAP and most medical organizations advise against the practice.
Key takeaways
- There is no scientific evidence that placenta encapsulation provides health benefits, and it carries documented risks. The CDC investigated a case where a newborn developed late-onset Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection linked to the mother's contaminated placental capsules. The encapsulation process does not reliably kill bacteria, and the placenta can harbor GBS, E. coli, and other pathogens. The AAP and most medical organizations advise against the practice.
- Usually normal when: You considered placenta encapsulation, researched it, and decided against it based on the evidence.
- Call your doctor if: Your baby develops a fever, lethargy, poor feeding, or any signs of infection while you are consuming placental capsules and breastfeeding.
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“About 1 in 8 women experience symptoms of postpartum depression. If you have symptoms of depression that last longer than 2 weeks, tell your health care provider.”
This is one of the most common questions parents ask. Searching for answers means you care.
By Age
What to expect by age
Pregnancy (planning)
Placenta encapsulation is heavily promoted by influencers and doulas as a way to boost energy, increase milk supply, prevent postpartum depression, and restore hormones. None of these claims are supported by peer-reviewed evidence. A 2018 systematic review found no proven benefits and identified potential harms. If you are considering this practice, discuss it with your OB or midwife. Understand that the encapsulation industry is unregulated - there are no standardized safety protocols, and processing is typically done at the encapsulator's home.
Baby 0-3 months
If you are consuming placental capsules while breastfeeding, bacteria and other contaminants can pass to your baby. The CDC documented a case where an Oregon infant developed GBS sepsis twice, and the source was traced to the mother's placental capsules, which tested positive for the same GBS strain. The encapsulation process involves dehydrating the placenta at temperatures that may not kill all pathogens. Even if your GBS test was negative during pregnancy, the placenta can become colonized during labor and delivery.
Baby 3+ months
If you have been taking placental capsules and your baby has been healthy, the immediate infection risk decreases as you presumably finish the supply. However, if your baby develops any fever, lethargy, poor feeding, or signs of illness while you are consuming placental products and breastfeeding, tell your pediatrician about the encapsulation so they can consider it in their evaluation. Looking forward, for future pregnancies, weigh the lack of proven benefits against the documented risks.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- You considered placenta encapsulation, researched it, and decided against it based on the evidence.
- You are looking for evidence-based ways to support postpartum recovery - ask your provider about iron supplementation, vitamin D, and omega-3s instead.
- You are currently taking placental capsules and want to discuss whether to continue.
- You are planning placenta encapsulation for an upcoming birth and want your provider's perspective.
- You are breastfeeding while consuming placental capsules and want to understand the risk to your baby.
- Your baby develops a fever, lethargy, poor feeding, or any signs of infection while you are consuming placental capsules and breastfeeding.
- You consumed placental capsules and develop signs of infection yourself: fever, chills, foul-smelling discharge.
- Your baby was diagnosed with GBS or another infection and you have been consuming placental capsules - inform your baby's medical team immediately.
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Is Placenta Encapsulation Safe? Risks Parents Should Know.
Things to mention
- You are currently taking placental capsules and want to discuss whether to continue.
- You are planning placenta encapsulation for an upcoming birth and want your provider's perspective.
- You are breastfeeding while consuming placental capsules and want to understand the risk to your baby.
Observations to share
- You are currently taking placental capsules and want to discuss whether to continue.
- You are planning placenta encapsulation for an upcoming birth and want your provider's perspective.
- You are breastfeeding while consuming placental capsules and want to understand the risk to your baby.
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your baby develops a fever, lethargy, poor feeding, or any signs of infection while you are consuming placental capsules and breastfeeding.
- You consumed placental capsules and develop signs of infection yourself: fever, chills, foul-smelling discharge.
- Your baby was diagnosed with GBS or another infection and you have been consuming placental capsules - inform your baby's medical team immediately.
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
Related Conditions
Postpartum Infection and Sepsis - Warning Signs Every Mother Should Know
Infections and sepsis are the second leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths. Over 43% of pregnancy-related deaths occur in the 6 weeks after delivery, yet many mothers receive only a single checkup during this period. Warning signs of postpartum infection include fever over 100.4F, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, increasing abdominal pain, redness or drainage from a C-section incision, painful urination, and flu-like symptoms that worsen rather than improve. Trust your instincts - if you feel something is wrong, seek care immediately.
postpartum depression signs
Postnatal Depletion - Why You Still Feel Exhausted Months After Birth
Postnatal depletion is a condition where mothers experience persistent fatigue, brain fog, and physical exhaustion months or even years after giving birth, caused by nutrient depletion during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It affects an estimated 50% or more of mothers and is distinct from postpartum depression, though the two can overlap. Key depleted nutrients include iron, zinc, B12, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and magnesium. Recovery from the physical demands of pregnancy can take years, and targeted nutritional support can help.
Group B Strep in Pregnancy
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a common bacterium found in about 25% of healthy women. Being GBS-positive is not an infection or STI - it simply means the bacteria are present in your body. With standard intravenous antibiotics given during labor, the risk of transmitting GBS to your baby drops from about 1 in 200 to about 1 in 4,000, making outcomes excellent.
Related Resources
Postpartum Recovery Guide
Week-by-week postpartum recovery timeline and warning signs.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is is placenta encapsulation safe? risks parents should know normal?
When should I call the doctor about is placenta encapsulation safe? risks parents should know?
When is is placenta encapsulation safe? risks parents should know normal?
What causes is placenta encapsulation safe? risks parents should know?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about is placenta encapsulation safe? risks parents should know?
Is is placenta encapsulation safe? risks parents should know normal at Pregnancy (planning)?
Is is placenta encapsulation safe? risks parents should know normal at Baby 0-3 months?
Should I go to the ER for is placenta encapsulation safe? risks parents should know?
Does is placenta encapsulation safe? risks parents should know go away on its own?
References
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of is placenta encapsulation safe? risks parents should know are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby develops a fever, lethargy, poor feeding, or any signs of infection while you are consuming placental capsules and breastfeeding.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
Was this page helpful?
Related Maternal Concerns
Postpartum Infection and Sepsis - Warning Signs Every Mother Should Know
Infections and sepsis are the second leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths. Over 43% of pregnancy-related deaths occur in the 6 weeks after delivery, yet many mothers receive only a single checkup during this period. Warning signs of postpartum infection include fever over 100.4F, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, increasing abdominal pain, redness or drainage from a C-section incision, painful urination, and flu-like symptoms that worsen rather than improve. Trust your instincts - if you feel something is wrong, seek care immediately.
Postnatal Depletion - Why You Still Feel Exhausted Months After Birth
Postnatal depletion is a condition where mothers experience persistent fatigue, brain fog, and physical exhaustion months or even years after giving birth, caused by nutrient depletion during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It affects an estimated 50% or more of mothers and is distinct from postpartum depression, though the two can overlap. Key depleted nutrients include iron, zinc, B12, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and magnesium. Recovery from the physical demands of pregnancy can take years, and targeted nutritional support can help.
Group B Strep in Pregnancy
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a common bacterium found in about 25% of healthy women. Being GBS-positive is not an infection or STI - it simply means the bacteria are present in your body. With standard intravenous antibiotics given during labor, the risk of transmitting GBS to your baby drops from about 1 in 200 to about 1 in 4,000, making outcomes excellent.
Dealing with Abnormal Prenatal Screening Results
An abnormal prenatal screening result can be terrifying, but it is important to understand that screening tests are designed to cast a wide net and have significant false-positive rates. Most people with abnormal screening results go on to have healthy babies after further testing confirms the baby is fine. An abnormal screening is a reason for more information, not a diagnosis.
Pregnancy Over 35 (Advanced Maternal Age)
While pregnancy after 35 carries some increased risks (including chromosomal abnormalities, gestational diabetes, and hypertension), the vast majority of people over 35 have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. The term "geriatric pregnancy" is outdated and does not reflect reality. With appropriate prenatal care and monitoring, outcomes are excellent.
Amniocentesis Questions and Fears
Amniocentesis is a diagnostic test performed between 15-20 weeks that analyzes amniotic fluid to detect chromosomal conditions and genetic disorders with over 99% accuracy. The risk of pregnancy loss from the procedure is approximately 1 in 500-1,000 when performed by an experienced provider. Understanding the actual risks can help you make an informed decision.