Placenta disposal in UK maternity care: why prenatal discussion matters

In The Conversation, researcher Sarah Esegbona-Adeigbe examines migrant Nigerian mothers’ experiences of antenatal care in the UK, focusing on placenta disposal and the emotional impact of its absence in conversations with midwives. The piece recounts a case where a mother wished to bury her placenta and take it home after birth but faced disposal without discussion. Her story underlines the need to discuss placenta disposition during pregnancy rather than after birth, and to integrate respectful, practical guidance into birth planning.

Original publisher: The Conversation

• Placenta disposal should be discussed during pregnancy and included in birth plans
• UK NHS guidance on taking a placenta home varies and safety matters apply
• Cultural and spiritual meanings of the placenta influence family wellbeing
• Proactive placenta conversations can support both safety and cultural respect

Introduction

The article examines how the placenta is more than a byproduct of birth in many cultures, often understood as spiritually connected to the baby and treated as a companion or family anchor. It emphasizes that in many maternity settings, placenta choices are not discussed unless the woman explicitly requests information, which can leave families unprepared for postnatal decisions. The piece uses a migrant Nigerian mothers’ antenatal care study as a lens to highlight the gap between medical practice and cultural beliefs about the placenta.

The placenta: biology and meaning

The placenta is described as a temporary organ essential to sustaining pregnancy by transferring nutrients and hormones, while removing waste. Its significance shifts after birth: from ongoing medical attention to potential disposal. The article notes that many indigenous and cultural practices attach special meanings to the placenta, including burial rites or other rituals intended to protect the child and connect them to family and land.

Global and cultural context

A review of placenta disposal among indigenous groups shows that rituals surrounding the placenta often carry deep meanings, such as the idea of a traveling companion that accompanies the baby into the next world. Burial practices are common, with sites chosen for protection, fertility, and long-term wellbeing. Some people also choose to consume the placenta for perceived benefits, though evidence-based information about infection risks is advised.

UK maternity care and safety considerations

The article describes variations in NHS practice. Some trusts provide information about taking the placenta home, storage times, and disposal methods, including clinical waste and incineration if not kept. Other guidance covers safe storage, burial on private land, and avoiding public spaces, with emphasis on rapid postpartum changes that could affect safety and infection risk. Clinical testing or histopathological examination may necessitate placenta retention for safety reasons, which should be explained clearly to families.

The migrant Nigerian mothers’ experience

The central case involves a mother who wanted to bury and take home her placenta after previous births but did not feel empowered to raise the topic with her midwife in a new country. Her placenta was disposed of without discussion, leading to a sense of loss and grief. The study suggests that cultural practices are often not discussed during routine antenatal care, and women may avoid raising sensitive topics out of concern for reception or uncertainty about how to navigate a new healthcare system.

Respectful discussion and practical guidance

The article advocates for routine, respectful conversations during pregnancy about placenta disposal. Midwives could ask how the placenta should be handled after birth and include these preferences in the birth plan, alongside decisions about labour, pain relief, feeding, and immediate postnatal care. Clear explanations about safety, storage, transport, burial options, and testing needs would support safer, more culturally attuned care.

Implementation and impact

Good placenta etiquette involves asking questions, explaining clinical and safety considerations, and respecting the family’s choices. Recognizing that for some families the placenta is part of the birth story, it is important not to treat it as an afterthought. The post-birth handling of the placenta should reflect both medical needs and the cultural values of the family, reducing distress and improving overall maternity experience.

In summary, involving families in placenta-related decisions during pregnancy can align clinical practice with cultural beliefs, promote safety, and honor the sacred aspects of birth that families carry with them across cultures.