What is a significant risk associated with placental encapsulation?

Placental encapsulation involves taking the placenta and preparing it for consumption, typically in the form of capsules, with the intention of providing various health benefits to the mother after childbirth. However, one significant concern related to this practice is the risk of group B streptococcus (GBS) infection in infants.

The placenta can carry bacteria, including GBS, which could potentially be present if the placenta is not handled properly during encapsulation. If the encapsulation process does not adhere to strict hygiene and safety protocols, there is a risk of transferring harmful pathogens. Infants can be particularly susceptible to infections, and a GBS infection can lead to serious health issues for newborns, including pneumonia, meningitis, and other systemic infections.

The other options presented do not relate to significant risks associated with placental encapsulation. For instance, while some advocates claim benefits like improved maternal mood or decreased birth weight, these are not established risks nor consistently supported by scientific evidence. Heart disease is not directly linked to the practice of placental encapsulation under standard circumstances either. Hence, the concern regarding group B streptococcus infection stands out as a critical risk in this context.