ACROSS social media and wellness platforms, one trend continues to gain attention: placenta consumption, also called placentophagy. From placenta smoothies to encapsulated tablets, more women, especially new mothers, are asking whether this practice offers real benefits or if it’s just another viral health fad.

These tablets are readily available online on Amazon and the Tik Tok store. As an obstetrician-gynaecologist practising in Jamaica, I am constantly asked, “Doc, should I consume my placenta or can I take it home?”

Let’s unpack the science, the risks, and what modern women should truly consider.

What exactly is placentophagy?

Placentophagy is the act of consuming the placenta after birth, often in the form of placenta capsules/tablets or as whole or parts thereof. These capsules are created by steaming, dehydrating, and grinding the placenta into fine powder, which is then sealed into pill form.

Advocates claim that the placenta is rich in hormones, nutrients, and minerals that can improve recovery after childbirth.

The claimed benefits

Though this fad may be considered as new, from ancient times there has been documentation of women consuming their own placenta after childbirth to achieve either spiritual or physical benefits.

Women who use placenta pills often report:

•Improved energy levels

•Enhanced mood

•Reduced post-partum depression symptoms

•Increased breast milk production

•Better overall post-birth recovery

While these experiences are genuine for many women, it is important to understand that personal testimonials do not equal strong scientific evidence.

What does the science actually say?

We practice evidence-based medicine, that is, we will only recommend or treat conditions with scientifically proven methodologies that are of benefit to the patient and will not harm them.

Currently, there is no solid scientific proof that placenta consumption improves milk supply, boosts mood, or prevents post-partum depression. Research shows:

•Hormones in the placenta are present in extremely low concentrations after processing.

•Nutrient levels drop significantly during steaming and dehydration.

•Studies comparing women who consumed placenta capsules versus placebo capsules found no meaningful difference in mood, fatigue, or recovery markers.

This does not invalidate women’s positive experiences, but it does mean the medical community cannot claim placenta tablets or placenta consumption offer guaranteed benefits.

From the days since I was a medical student and until now the placenta has always been considered as biohazardous waste and is appropriately discarded immediately after birth.

The potential risks you should know

Placenta encapsulation is not regulated. That means quality and safety vary widely depending on who prepares the capsules.

Possible risks include:

1) Infection — If not properly heated or dehydrated, bacteria like Group B Streptococcus can survive. There have been documented cases of newborns becoming infected after mothers consumed contaminated placenta capsules.

2) Heavy metals and toxins – The placenta filters waste. That means it may contain trace heavy metals that are then ingested.

3) Hormonal effects – Placenta tablets may contain small amounts of oestrogen and progesterone — levels too low to provide benefit but possibly enough to affect women with:

• hypertension

• thyroid disease

• hormonal disorders

• a history of blood clots

4) Allergy or intolerance — Some women experience nausea or stomach upset with placenta products.

So should you take placenta pills? Here’s my professional, balanced approach:

• If a woman feels placenta encapsulation helps her emotionally, and it was prepared safely, I respect her choice. Motherhood is deeply personal.

• However, based on current research, I cannot medically recommend placenta consumption either whole post-delivery or in the form of tablets as a treatment for postpartum depression, milk supply issues, or post-birth recovery.

• More importantly, the safety concerns are real and must be discussed before making a decision.

Modern wellness requires modern knowledge

Women today have access to more information and more options than any generation before us. While placenta consumption is trending globally, trends must be approached with evidence, safety, and awareness.

As an OB-GYN, my priority is ensuring women make informed decisions rooted in science, not pressure or social media hype.

If you’re unsure, let’s talk about it. Your post-birth care deserves clarity, compassion, and credible guidance.

Dr Daryl Daley is a cosmetic gynaecologist and obstetrician. He is located at 3D Gynaecology Limited, 23 Tangerine Place, Kingston 10. Feel free to contact Dr Daley at ddaley@3dgynae.com.

Dr Daryl Daley.