Can You Eat Placenta?

Eating your placenta after childbirth is a practice called placentophagy. Yes, you can physically eat it, and some people do. But the question of whether you should is more complicated. The scientific evidence does not currently support the health benefits that many claim.

What Is Placenta Eating and Why Do People Do It?

Placentophagy is the act of a mother consuming her own placenta after giving birth. It is common among mammals, but human cultures have rarely practiced it. In recent years, it has grown in popularity, especially in the United States, often tied to natural birth communities.

People typically consume the placenta in one of three ways. They may eat it cooked, eat it raw, or have it processed into capsules. Placenta encapsulation is the most common method today. A service or a family member steams, dehydrates, and grinds the placenta into a powder that is placed into pills.

Those who support the practice claim it helps with postpartum recovery. Common claims include increased milk supply, higher energy, improved mood, and a lower risk of postpartum depression. These claims are widespread, but the research backing them is thin.

What Does the Research Say About the Benefits?

The evidence for human placenta eating is very limited. Most of what people believe comes from personal stories, not from solid science. Studies on animals, mostly rats, have shown some effects, but those results do not automatically apply to humans.

One of the few human studies on this topic was a survey published in the journal Women and Birth. It found that most women who ate their placenta reported positive experiences. However, the study relied on self-reports, which means the women who chose to eat their placenta believed it would help. That belief alone can shape how they felt afterward. This is not proof of a real biological effect.

Some research suggests that the placenta may contain iron and small amounts of hormones. But no large human trial has confirmed that these compounds survive the cooking or encapsulation process in amounts that matter. No clinical evidence currently confirms that eating the placenta improves mood, energy, or milk supply.

Are There Any Proven Risks?

Yes, there are real risks, and they are better documented than the benefits. The placenta is an organ that filters waste during pregnancy. It can carry bacteria and viruses, even if the mother is healthy.

One serious concern is infection. The placenta is not sterile. If it is not handled, stored, and processed correctly, bacteria can grow. In 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published a case report about a newborn who developed a bacterial infection. The source was traced back to the mother’s placenta capsules, which tested positive for the same bacteria.

There is also no standard regulation for placenta encapsulation. The FDA does not regulate placenta pills as a drug or a food. That means there is no oversight of how these products are prepared. A facility processing placenta capsules is not held to the same safety standards as a pharmaceutical company or a commercial food producer.

Another concern is the loss of blood. If you eat the placenta, you are not keeping the blood that remains in it. Some clinicians argue that the blood in the placenta contains iron and nutrients that could benefit the mother after birth. But this is a physiological argument, not a proven clinical benefit.

Can You Eat Placenta Raw or Cooked?

Eating the placenta raw carries the highest risk. Raw tissue can contain bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Cooking it reduces some of that risk, but it does not eliminate it. Cooking also breaks down many of the hormones and proteins that people are hoping to gain.

There is no established safe cooking method for human placenta. Unlike meat from a grocery store, there are no official guidelines for preparing placenta for human consumption. The USDA has no standards for this because it is not a regulated food product.

If you are considering eating your placenta, the safest approach is to discuss it with your healthcare provider first. They can help you weigh the limited evidence for benefits against the documented risks.

What About Placenta Encapsulation Safety?

Placenta encapsulation is not risk-free. The process typically involves steaming and dehydrating the placenta, which may kill some bacteria. But it does not reliably kill all pathogens. Some bacteria can survive the drying process.

There is also no standard for how long the placenta sits before processing. If it is not refrigerated promptly, bacteria can multiply quickly. The longer the delay, the higher the risk.

Several professional organizations have issued warnings about placenta encapsulation. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics have both stated that there is no evidence of benefit and that the practice carries potential risks. These are not fringe opinions. They reflect the current state of the research.

It is also worth noting that placenta pills are not tested for potency. There is no way to know how much of any hormone or nutrient is actually in a capsule. The content can vary widely from one placenta to another.

Can U Eat Placenta for Postpartum Depression?

This is one of the most common reasons women consider placentophagy. The idea is that the placenta contains hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which drop sharply after birth. Some believe eating the placenta can soften that drop and prevent mood issues.

No clinical evidence currently confirms this. No large human trial has shown that placenta consumption prevents or treats postpartum depression. The studies that exist are small, and many are not controlled. Personal stories can be powerful, but they are not scientific proof.

Postpartum depression is a serious medical condition. If you are experiencing symptoms like persistent sadness, loss of interest, or thoughts of harming yourself, seek help from a healthcare provider. Do not rely on placenta capsules as a treatment. There are proven therapies and medications that work.

What Do Medical Organizations Say?

The position of major medical bodies is clear. They do not recommend the practice. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that there is no evidence of benefit and that the risks are not well studied. The American Academy of Pediatrics has raised concerns about infection risks to both mother and baby.

These organizations are not saying the practice is definitely dangerous. They are saying that the claimed benefits are not supported by evidence. When a practice has no proven benefit and some documented risks, the cautious medical position is to avoid it.

Some clinicians are open to discussing it with patients. If you are set on doing it, an honest conversation with your doctor is the safest path. They can help you understand the specific risks and decide if it is right for you.

Is It Legal to Eat Your Placenta?

In the United States, it is legal to take your placenta home from the hospital. It is considered your tissue. However, the rules vary by state. Some hospitals require you to sign a release form. Others may have specific policies about how the placenta is handled and stored.

If you are planning to have your placenta encapsulated, check the regulations in your state. Some states have no rules at all. A few states have begun to regulate placenta preparation facilities. But this is a patchwork, not a national standard.

It is also important to know that placenta pills are not classified as a dietary supplement by the FDA. They are not subject to the same quality controls as vitamins or minerals sold in stores.