Intrauterine responses to nipple stimulation in late pregnancy

O. A C Viegas, P. G. Adaikan, K. Singh, S. Arulkumaran, S. R. Kottegoda, S. S. Ratnam

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Characteristics of intrauterine activity in response to nipple stimulation were studied in 9 healthy pregnant subjects at term. All patients showed an increase in uterine activity varying from 10 to 730%. In 1 subject, marked uterine hypertonous was noted which resulted in profound fetal bradycardia. This response was transient, lasting 5.5 min, and fetal outcome unaffected. We believe that nipple stimulation is associated with a higher incidence of increased uterine activity in terms of frequency, intensity and basal tone, than has been previously recognized. This uterine hypertonus may affect the fetal heart rate adversely indicating the need to exercise caution when adopting this manoeuvre in late pregnancy, particularly when there is already evidence of fetal compromise.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)128-133
Number of pages6
JournalGynecologic and Obstetric Investigation
Volume22
Issue number3
Publication statusPublished - 1986

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Intrauterine responses to nipple stimulation in late pregnancy'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this