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Morais PEDO, Nassif MS, Costa ACB, Freitas PS, Sampaio RS, Costa ICP. Online scientific research on placentophagy: a bibliometric analysis. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE GINECOLOGIA E OBSTETRÍCIA 2024; 46:e-rbgo4. [PMID: 38765532 PMCID: PMC11075423 DOI: 10.61622/rbgo/2024ar04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To classify the bibliometric indicators of online scientific research on placentophagy. Methods A bibliometric study was conducted to quantify the scientific production of authors and institutions with the aim of highlighting the growth and impact of these publications nationally and internationally. The Bradford Law, network maps, and textual statistics were used, with searches conducted in libraries and databases in October 2021. Results The sample consisted of 64 articles, whose primary authors were associated with 49 institutions, and mostly with degrees in anthropology. The United States of America was the country that published the most papers on the theme, and most studies were reviews with individual production. Through the term analysis, it was found that the predominant themes regarding placentophagy were the following: Alternative therapy for women's health, methodologies used for research in this area, period of placenta ingestion (postpartum period), and its benefits. Conclusion The bibliometric indicators found are essential for the development of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Melissa Santos Nassif
- Universidade Federal de AlfenasAlfenasMGBrazilUniversidade Federal de Alfenas, Alfenas, MG, Brazil.
| | | | - Patrícia Scotini Freitas
- Universidade Federal de AlfenasAlfenasMGBrazilUniversidade Federal de Alfenas, Alfenas, MG, Brazil.
| | - Rômulo Severo Sampaio
- Universidade Federal da ParaíbaJoão PessoaPBBrazilUniversidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil.
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Branche T, Pouppirt N, Nelson LD, Khan JY. Potential Implications of Emerging Nontraditional Childbirth Practices On Neonatal Health. J Pediatr 2023; 261:113338. [PMID: 36720380 PMCID: PMC10766326 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2022.12.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tonia Branche
- Division of Neonatology, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL; Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL.
| | - Nicole Pouppirt
- Division of Neonatology, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL; Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - LaTasha D Nelson
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Janine Y Khan
- Division of Neonatology, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL; Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
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Benyshek DC, Bovbjerg ML, Cheyney M. Comparison of placenta consumers' and non-consumers' postpartum depression screening results using EPDS in US community birth settings (n=6038): a propensity score analysis. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:534. [PMID: 37481527 PMCID: PMC10362633 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05852-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preventing postpartum depression (PPD) is the most common self-reported motivation for human maternal placentophagy, yet very little systematic research has assessed mental health following placenta consumption. Our aim was to compare PPD screening scores of placenta consumers and non-consumers in a community birth setting, using propensity score matching to address anticipated extensive confounding. METHODS We used a medical records-based data set (n = 6038) containing pregnancy, birth, and postpartum information for US women who planned and completed community births. We first compared PPD screening scores as measured by the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) of individuals who consumed their placenta to those who did not, with regard to demographics, pregnancy characteristics, and history of mental health challenges. Matching placentophagic (n = 1876) and non-placentophagic (n = 1876) groups were then created using propensity scores. The propensity score model included more than 90 variables describing medical and obstetric history, demographics, pregnancy characteristics, and intrapartum and postpartum complications, thus addressing confounding by all of these variables. We then used logistic regression to compare placentophagic to non-placentophagic groups based on commonly-cited EPDS cutoff values (≥ 11; ≥ 13) for likely PPD. RESULTS In the unmatched and unadjusted analysis, placentophagy was associated with an increased risk of PPD. In the matched sample, 9.9% of women who ate their placentas reported EPDS ≥ 11, compared to 8.4% of women who did not (5.5% and 4.8%, respectively, EPDS ≥ 13 or greater). After controlling for over 90 variables (including prior mental health challenges) in the matched and adjusted analysis, placentophagy was associated with an increased risk of PPD between 15 and 20%, depending on the published EPDS cutoff point used. Numerous sensitivity analyses did not alter this general finding. CONCLUSIONS Placentophagic individuals in our study scored higher on an EPDS screening than carefully matched non-placentophagic controls. Why placentophagic women score higher on the EPDS remains unclear, but we suspect reverse causality plays an important role. Future research could assess psychosocial factors that may motivate some individuals to engage in placentophagy, and that may also indicate greater risk of PPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel C Benyshek
- Department of Anthropology, Nutrition and Reproduction Laboratory, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA.
- Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at University of Nevada, NV, Las Vegas, USA.
| | - Marit L Bovbjerg
- Epidemiology Program, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Melissa Cheyney
- Department of Anthropology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
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Kristal MB, DiPirro JM, Thompson AC, Wood TD. Placentophagia and the Tao of POEF. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 145:104992. [PMID: 36509207 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Placentophagia, ingestion of placenta and amniotic fluid, usually during parturition, is a behavioral feature of nearly all nonaquatic, placental mammals, and is a nexus for several interlocking behavioral phenomena. Placentophagia has not been typical of human cultures, but in recent years, some women in affluent societies have engaged in it, thereby bringing publicity to the behavior. First, we summarized benefits of placentophagia for nonhuman mammals, which include increased attractiveness of neonates, enhanced onset of maternal behavior, suppression of pseudopregnancy, and enhancement of opioid hypoalgesia by Placental Opioid-Enhancing Factor (POEF), a benefit that may extend well outside the context of parturition. The research on POEF in animals was discussed in detail. Then we discussed placentophagia (placentophagy) in humans, and whether there is validity to the claims of various benefits reported primarily in the pro-placentophagy literature, and, although human afterbirth shows POEF activity, the POEF effect has not yet been tested in humans. Finally, we discussed the general possible implications, for the management of pain and addiction, of isolating and characterizing POEF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark B Kristal
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, Park Hall, Buffalo, NY 14260-4110, USA; Research and Clinical Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo, 1022 Main St., Buffalo, NY 14203, USA.
| | - Jean M DiPirro
- Department of Psychology, Buffalo State College, Buffalo, NY 14222 USA; Research and Clinical Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo, 1022 Main St., Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Alexis C Thompson
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, Park Hall, Buffalo, NY 14260-4110, USA; Research and Clinical Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo, 1022 Main St., Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Troy D Wood
- Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo, Natural Science Complex, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
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Impact of tissue processing on microbiological colonization in the context of placentophagy. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5307. [PMID: 35351937 PMCID: PMC8964728 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09243-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
A mother’s postpartum ingestion of raw or processed placental tissue—referred to as human maternal placentophagy—is an emerging health trend observed in industrialized nations. Placenta is commonly consumed as small pieces of raw tissue, or as raw or steamed dehydrated pulverized and encapsulated tissue. To investigate the potential neonatal health risks of this behavior, the present study focused on microbial colonization of processed placenta preparations with potentially pathogenic bacteria Streptococcus agalactiae (Group-B-Streptococci; GBS) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). In the clinical approach placentas from 24 mothers were analyzed. Two placentas, from 13 mothers with confirmed positive maternal GBS status, showed GBS-growth on their surface (2/13; 15.4%) independent from delivery mode or antibiotic treatment. All processed samples (n = 24) were free from GBS. In the experimental approach, a standardized inoculation protocol was introduced to resemble ascending vaginal and hematogenous colonization. Six placentas from elective term C-sections of GBS negative mothers were collected and artificially inoculated with highly concentrated suspensions of GBS and E. coli. Heat processing significantly reduced the number of colony forming units (CFU) for GBS and E. coli. Our results suggest placentophagy of processed tissue is an unlikely source of clinical infection.
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Alternative Birth Plans and Unintended Maternal and Neonatal Consequences: A Review of the Literature. Obstet Gynecol Surv 2021; 75:766-778. [PMID: 33369687 DOI: 10.1097/ogx.0000000000000849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Importance Birth plans are an important part of childbirth preparation for many women. Objective The aim of this review was to discuss some common requests, specifically home birth, water birth, placentophagy, lotus birth, vaccination refusal, and vaginal seeding, including evidence-based recommendations, perceived benefits, and potential maternal and neonatal consequences. Evidence Acquisition A literature search for each topic was undertaken using PubMed and Web of Science. For the home birth section, the MeSH terms home AND birth OR childbirth AND outcomes OR complications OR recommendations OR guidelines were used. For the vaccination section, birth OR childbirth OR maternal AND vaccination refusal were searched. For the remainder of the sections, umbilical cord AND nonseverance OR placentophagy OR vaginal seeding OR lotus birth were searched. A total of 523 articles were identified. The abstracts were reviewed by 2 authors (J.R.W. and J.A.R.); 60 of these articles were selected and used for this review. Results Home birth is currently not recommended in the United States. Immersion in water for labor is acceptable, but delivery should not occur in water. Placentophagy and lotus birth should be discouraged because of risk of neonatal infection. Vaccines should be administered in accordance with national guidelines. Vaginal seeding should be discouraged until more is known about the practice. Conclusions and Relevance These evidence-based recommendations provide clear guidance for physicians so that the birthing experience can be enhanced for both mother and neonate without compromising safety. Relevance Statement This is an evidence-based literature review of alternative birth plans and recommendations for directive counseling.
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Mota-Rojas D, Orihuela A, Strappini A, Villanueva-García D, Napolitano F, Mora-Medina P, Barrios-García HB, Herrera Y, Lavalle E, Martínez-Burnes J. Consumption of Maternal Placenta in Humans and Nonhuman Mammals: Beneficial and Adverse Effects. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E2398. [PMID: 33333890 PMCID: PMC7765311 DOI: 10.3390/ani10122398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Placentophagia is a common mammalian behavior, and the first scientific study of the potential effects of human maternal placentophagia on lactation was in 1917. More recently, in the 1970s, human placentophagia was reported in North America with a trend toward increased consumption. There are different hypotheses about the women and nonhuman mammals' motivation towards placentophagia, but few have been subject to hypotheses testing. In women, the controversy continues; on the one hand, researchers attribute benefits like increased breast milk, weight gain in newborns, decreased postpartum depression and fatigue, and improved mothers' mood. In contrast, bacterial or viral infections, hormonal, or trace elements that could become toxic for both the mother and baby are reported as possible health risks. Other reports argue a lack of scientific rigor to support the self-reported benefits of placentophagia. Also, the way the placenta is prepared (raw, cooked, dehydrated, processed, or encapsulated) alters its components, and thus the desired effects. This review provides relevant information and the different hypotheses and points of view around placentophagia. However, there are still questions to be resolved, and more studies are needed to confirm or reject the data generated so far about placentophagia in humans and nonhuman mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Mota-Rojas
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), 04960 Mexico City, Mexico; (D.M.-R.); (Y.H.); (E.L.)
| | - Agustín Orihuela
- Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, 62209 Morelos, Mexico;
| | - Ana Strappini
- Animal Science Institute, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad Austral de Chile, 5110566 Valdivia, Chile;
| | - Dina Villanueva-García
- Division of Neonatology, National Institute of Health Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, 06720 Mexico City, Mexico;
| | - Fabio Napolitano
- Scuola di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali, Alimentari ed Ambientali, Università degli Studi della Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy;
| | - Patricia Mora-Medina
- Livestock Science Department, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), 54714 Mexico City, Mexico;
| | - Hugo B. Barrios-García
- Graduate and Research Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Ciudad Victoria, 87000 Tamaulipas, Mexico;
| | - Yuridia Herrera
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), 04960 Mexico City, Mexico; (D.M.-R.); (Y.H.); (E.L.)
| | - Eunice Lavalle
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), 04960 Mexico City, Mexico; (D.M.-R.); (Y.H.); (E.L.)
| | - Julio Martínez-Burnes
- Graduate and Research Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Ciudad Victoria, 87000 Tamaulipas, Mexico;
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Elwood C, Money D, van Schalkwyk J, Pakzad Z, Bos H, Giesbrecht E. No. 378-Placentophagy. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2020; 41:679-682. [PMID: 31000150 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2018.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Consumption of human placenta has recently been highlighted; however, there is no evidence of benefit from its consumption. In addition, there is potential for harm. Therefore the SOGC does not recommend the practice of placentophagy.
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Planned home births: The role of the primary care NP. Nurse Pract 2020; 45:18-24. [PMID: 32205669 DOI: 10.1097/01.npr.0000657308.08936.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Over the past 15 years, there has been a steady resurgence of planned home births in the US. Multiple factors may impact health outcomes for mother and baby. NPs have the opportunity to provide reliable information to women to help ensure a safe delivery and to optimize care for the neonate.
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Botelle R, Willott C. Birth, attitudes and placentophagy: a thematic discourse analysis of discussions on UK parenting forums. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2020; 20:134. [PMID: 32138706 PMCID: PMC7059278 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-020-2824-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The post-partum consumption of the placenta by the mother (placentophagy) has been practiced since the 1970s in the global North and is seemingly increasing in popularity. Maternal placentophagy is not known to have been practiced in any other time period or culture, despite being near-ubiquitous in other placental mammals. An in-depth qualitative exploration as to the reasons for the practice, its increasing popularity and how it is narratively incorporated into discourses surrounding "ideal" natural and medical births are given in this paper. METHODS 1752 posts from 956 users across 85 threads from the parenting forums Mumsnet and Netmums were identified for inclusion. A thematic discourse analysis was performed using NVivo. RESULTS Three main themes were identified: women recounted predominantly positive attitudes towards their own experiences of placentophagy, and they were respectful of others' views and experiences; some had negative views, particularly around the concept of disgust, but again, they were respectful of others' experiences. By far the most common method of consumption of the placenta was encapsulation. CONCLUSIONS This paper identifies the motivation for placentophagy to almost universally be for medical benefits, most commonly the prevention or treatment of post-natal depression (PND). Whilst disgust is a common reaction, discussion of risks is rare, and positive experiences outweigh negative ones. The increasing popularity of the practice is ascribed in part to the comparative palatability of encapsulation and the use of the internet to share resources and remove barriers. Parenting forums are important spaces to negotiate normative birth practices, including placentophagy, and act to build communities of women who value personal experience over medical evidence and highly value personal choice and bodily autonomy. Placentophagy is discussed in terms of its relation to natural and medical births with arguments being made using both discourses for and against the practice. This paper argues that placentophagy is practiced as a resistance to medicalisation as an assertion of control by the mother, whilst simultaneously being a medicalised phenomenon itself.
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Morris E, Slomp C, Hippman C, Inglis A, Carrion P, Batallones R, Andrighetti H, Austin J. A Matched Cohort Study of Postpartum Placentophagy in Women With a History of Mood Disorders: No Evidence for Impact on Mood, Energy, Vitamin B12 Levels, or Lactation. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2019; 41:1330-1337. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Gray R, Gray G, Brown E. A review of prospective registration of trials published in nursing science journals in 2017. J Adv Nurs 2019; 75:3263-3271. [DOI: 10.1111/jan.14131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Gray
- School of Nursing and Midwifery La Trobe University Melbourne Australia
- Department of Rural Health The University of South Australia Adelaide Australia
- School of Nursing The University of Essex Colchester UK
| | | | - Ellie Brown
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health Parkville Victoria Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
- IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, School of Medicine Deakin University Geelong Australia
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No 378 – Placentophagie. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2019; 41:683-687. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2019.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Young SM, Gryder LK, Cross CL, Zava D, Norris W, Benyshek DC. Ingestion of Steamed and Dehydrated Placenta Capsules Does Not Affect Postpartum Plasma Prolactin Levels or Neonatal Weight Gain: Results from a Randomized, Double‐Bind, Placebo‐Controlled Pilot Study. J Midwifery Womens Health 2019; 64:443-450. [DOI: 10.1111/jmwh.12955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sharon M. Young
- Nutrition and Reproduction Lab, Department of AnthropologyUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas Las Vegas Nevada
- Office of Undergraduate ResearchUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas Las Vegas Nevada
| | - Laura K. Gryder
- Department of Surgery, School of MedicineUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas Las Vegas Nevada
| | - Chad L. Cross
- Department of Environmental and Occupational HealthUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas Las Vegas Nevada
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of MedicineUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas Las Vegas Nevada
| | | | | | - Daniel C. Benyshek
- Nutrition and Reproduction Lab, Department of AnthropologyUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas Las Vegas Nevada
- School of MedicineUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas Las Vegas Nevada
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Benyshek DC, Cheyney M, Brown J, Bovbjerg ML. Placentophagy among women planning community births in the United States: Frequency, rationale, and associated neonatal outcomes. Birth 2018; 45:459-468. [PMID: 29722066 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited systematic research on maternal placentophagy is available to maternity care providers whose clients/patients may be considering this increasingly popular practice. Our purpose was to characterize the practice of placentophagy and its attendant neonatal outcomes among a large sample of women in the United States. METHODS We used a medical records-based data set (n = 23 242) containing pregnancy, birth, and postpartum information for women who planned community births. We used logistic regression to determine demographic and clinical predictors of placentophagy. Finally, we compared neonatal outcomes (hospitalization, neonatal intensive unit admission, or neonatal death in the first 6 weeks) between placenta consumers and nonconsumers, and participants who consumed placenta raw vs cooked. RESULTS Nearly one-third (30.8%) of women consumed their placenta. Consumers were more likely to have reported pregravid anxiety or depression compared with nonconsumers. Most (85.3%) placentophagic mothers consumed their placentas in encapsulated form, and nearly half (48.4%) consumed capsules containing dehydrated, uncooked placenta. Placentophagy was not associated with any adverse neonatal outcomes. Women with home births were more likely to engage in placentophagy than women with birth center births. The most common reason given (73.1%) for engaging in placentophagy was to prevent postpartum depression. [Corrections added on 16 May 2018, after first online publication: The percentage values in the Results sections were updated.] CONCLUSIONS: The majority of women consumed their placentas in uncooked/encapsulated form and hoping to avoid postpartum depression, although no evidence currently exists to support this strategy. Preparation technique (cooked vs uncooked) did not influence adverse neonatal outcomes. Maternity care providers should discuss the range of options available to prevent/treat postpartum depression, in addition to current evidence with respect to the safety of placentophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel C Benyshek
- Department of Anthropology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Melissa Cheyney
- Department of Anthropology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Jennifer Brown
- College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Marit L Bovbjerg
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
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Johnson SK, Pastuschek J, Rödel J, Markert UR, Groten T. Placenta - Worth Trying? Human Maternal Placentophagia: Possible Benefit and Potential Risks. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2018; 78:846-852. [PMID: 30258243 PMCID: PMC6138470 DOI: 10.1055/a-0674-6275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of placenta preparations as an individual puerperal remedy can be traced back to historical, traditional practices in Western and Asian medicine. To evaluate the ingestion of processed placenta as a puerperal remedy, the potential risks (trace elements, microorganisms) and possible benefit (hormones in the placental tissue) of such a practice are discussed in this article based on a literature review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia K Johnson
- Plazenta-Labor, Klinik für Geburtsmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Jana Pastuschek
- Plazenta-Labor, Klinik für Geburtsmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Jürgen Rödel
- Institut für klinische Mikrobiologie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Udo R Markert
- Plazenta-Labor, Klinik für Geburtsmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Tanja Groten
- Plazenta-Labor, Klinik für Geburtsmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Jena, Germany
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Young SM, Gryder LK, Cross C, Zava D, Kimball DW, Benyshek DC. Placentophagy’s effects on mood, bonding, and fatigue: A pilot trial, part 2. Women Birth 2018; 31:e258-e271. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2017.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Revised: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 11/04/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Young SM, Gryder LK, Cross C, Zava D, Kimball DW, Benyshek DC. Effects of placentophagy on maternal salivary hormones: A pilot trial, part 1. Women Birth 2018; 31:e245-e257. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2017.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Revised: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Human placentophagy: Effects of dehydration and steaming on hormones, metals and bacteria in placental tissue. Placenta 2018; 67:8-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2018.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Human placentophagy: a review. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2018; 218:401.e1-401.e11. [PMID: 28859955 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2017.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Revised: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Placentophagy or placentophagia, the postpartum ingestion of the placenta, is widespread among mammals; however, no contemporary human culture incorporates eating placenta postpartum as part of its traditions. At present, there is an increasing interest in placentophagy among postpartum women, especially in the United States. The placenta can be eaten raw, cooked, roasted, dehydrated, or encapsulated or through smoothies and tinctures. The most frequently used preparation appears to be placenta encapsulation after steaming and dehydration. Numerous companies offer to prepare the placenta for consumption, although the evidence for positive effects of human placentophagy is anecdotal and limited to self-reported surveys. Without any scientific evidence, individuals promoting placentophagy, especially in the form of placenta encapsulation, claim that it is associated with certain physical and psychosocial benefits. We found that there is no scientific evidence of any clinical benefit of placentophagy among humans, and no placental nutrients and hormones are retained in sufficient amounts after placenta encapsulation to be potentially helpful to the mother postpartum. In contrast to the belief of clinical benefits associated with human placentophagy, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently issued a warning due to a case in which a newborn infant developed recurrent neonatal group B Streptococcus sepsis after the mother ingested contaminated placenta capsules containing Streptococcus agalactiae. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that the intake of placenta capsules should be avoided owing to inadequate eradication of infectious pathogens during the encapsulation process. Therefore, in response to a woman who expresses an interest in placentophagy, physicians should inform her about the reported risks and the absence of clinical benefits associated with the ingestion. In addition, clinicians should inquire regarding a history of placenta ingestion in cases of postpartum maternal or neonatal infections such as group B Streptococcus sepsis. In conclusion, there is no professional responsibility on clinicians to offer placentophagy to pregnant women. Moreover, because placentophagy is potentially harmful with no documented benefit, counseling women should be directive: physicians should discourage this practice. Health care organizations should develop clear clinical guidelines to implement a scientific and professional approach to human placentophagy.
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Isaacs D. Perplexing perinatal practices. J Paediatr Child Health 2018; 54:113-114. [PMID: 29417671 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.13839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David Isaacs
- Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Chang S, Lodico L, Williams Z. Nutritional composition and heavy metal content of the human placenta. Placenta 2017; 60:100-102. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2017.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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