During pregnancy, the mother can become overwhelmed with ailments and symptoms directly caused by the pregnancy and hormones. Some of these ailments are contraindications for immediate placenta consumption.
Credit: IPPA
Gestational diabetes: For mothers that develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy, the placenta postpartum is still a useful tool. After birth and once the mother is no longer getting Human Placental Lactogen (HPL) released into her bloodstream, her body is able to reset and her symptoms will dissipate. The mother may start with the normal intake suggestions, being sure to check her blood sugar one hour after taking the capsules for the first 3 days. Importantly, one should look out for spikes in blood sugar levels. If mother starts to experience these problems, immediately discontinue capsules for 7 days. After 7 days, resume dosage.
Hyperemesis gravidarum is a condition which causes extreme nausea, vomiting and dehydration during the pregnancy. This is most often seen during the first trimester, but can persist through the entire gestational period. It is thought to be caused by the hormones hCG and estrogen excreted by the placenta, the corpus luteum and the gastrointestinal tract. The high levels of hormones create an instability within the body. Feeling sick is the byproduct. This illness can be debilitating to a pregnant woman and puts both her health and the baby’s health at risk. Many women find themselves in hospital for IV fluids and anti-nausea medications. The question arises that if the placenta is creating these hormones and is rich in these hormones, is it safe to ingest then in capsules? The answer is yes. When the placenta is attached to the womb, it is sending these hormones directly into the bloodstream. Taking placenta remedies, orally will not produce the same effect. As the placenta is digested, it will be absorbed and distributed differently throughout the body. In almost all cases, a mother with hyperemesis gravidarum will be able to tolerate the placenta postpartum.
Chorioamnionitis is an inflammation of the amniotic sac due to a uterine bacterial infection. A common sign of chorioamnionitis is a sweet, pastry-like odor from the placenta. Bacterial infection of any kind is a huge contraindication for placenta preparation. Signs of an infection are a high, long lasting fever, discoloration with no signs of meconium and off smelling tissues. The most common causes for this are the waters being ruptured for an extended period of time longer than 24 hours or multiple vaginal exams which introduce bacteria into the open cervix. Scalp monitors also create this risk. It is not uncommon for hospitals to take a small tissue sample of the placenta. This sample goes to pathology to check for infection, among other things. Unfortunately, this precludes the placenta from being encapsulated and ingested.