In a concerning development this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a warning against mothers consuming placenta pills due to potential health risks. This caution follows a case where a previously healthy infant developed B Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) bacteremia, a severe blood infection, not once, but twice, after the mother ingested these pills.
The trend of consuming placenta post-birth has surged in popularity, fueled by endorsements from celebrities and parenting blogs. Figures like Jessica Hart and Mia Thompson have touted benefits ranging from alleviating postpartum depression to boosting energy levels and milk production. However, scientific backing for these claims is sorely lacking. The Mayo Clinic notes that while proponents often reference studies, they frequently rely on animal research or anecdotal evidence, with no substantial human studies confirming the advantages of placentophagy.
In the instance highlighted by the CDC, the affected newborn required admission to the NICU and an 11-day antibiotic regimen. Unfortunately, after returning home and breastfeeding—while the mother continued her placenta pill regimen—the baby contracted GBS again. The CDC revealed that tests on the placenta pills identified a high presence of GBS, prompting the agency to advise the cessation of their use. Following the mother’s discontinuation of the pills, the baby was treated with another course of antibiotics and made a full recovery.
The CDC underscores a significant risk: the absence of standardized processes for safe placenta consumption. They state, “The placenta encapsulation process does not inherently eliminate infectious pathogens; thus, ingestion of placenta capsules should be avoided.” GBS is typically harmless in adults but can be particularly dangerous for newborns whose immune systems are still developing, as reported by The Washington Post.
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In summary, the consumption of placenta pills poses significant health risks, as demonstrated by a case of a newborn contracting a severe infection. The CDC’s recommendation to avoid such practices underscores the importance of safety and evidence-based decisions in postpartum care.