Is Placenta Encapsulation Safe? Risks Parents Should 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.
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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.
Sources
Related Resources
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician.
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Related Maternal Concerns
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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.