Rethinking Placenta Testing:
The Importance of Making an Informed Decision
As a new or expecting parent, you may face the question of whether to have your placenta tested after your baby’s arrival. While it might seem like an easy choice, especially if your baby is premature, smaller than average, or your placenta has stopped growing, there are some factors to consider before making a decision.
In the midst of the chaos and emotions that come with childbirth, parents can feel pressure and often agree to placenta testing without fully understanding the consequences. The truth is, once your placenta is sent for testing, it may be punctured or dissected into pieces, making it impossible to know what has happened to it during the process. Furthermore, testing can take days or even weeks, leaving your placenta unusable for other purposes.
If you’re interested in placenta encapsulation to optimize your postnatal recovery and overall well-being, it’s essential to keep your placenta untouched and intact.
The Challenge: Weighing Your Options
Deciding between the potential insights from pathology and the benefits of encapsulation can be challenging. While placenta pathology results can contribute to broader research, parents are naturally curious about any information that could affect them or provide answers.
However, after more than 12 years of experience in placenta encapsulation, I have yet to encounter anyone receiving valuable information from placenta testing. There has been no personal value in sending placentas to pathology.
My Advice
What do I recommend? Decline placenta testing. Preserve your placenta for encapsulation and take advantage of its numerous benefits for your postnatal recovery and overall well-being. Your mind and body will thank you for making an informed decision.
Remember, as a parent, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons of every choice you make for your child, including decisions surrounding placenta testing and encapsulation. Trust your instincts and choose what’s best for you and your baby. If you are unsure, give me a call.