How does nipple stimulation help induce labor

Try out PMC Labs and tell us what you think. Learn More. This preliminary study aimed to 1 determine changes in the salivary oxytocin OT level during breast stimulation for promoting the spontaneous onset of labor in low-risk term pregnancies, and 2 clarify the feasibility of the breast stimulation intervention protocol in terms of practicality and acceptability.

We used a single arm trial design. Sixteen low-risk pregnant women between 38 and 40 weeks of gestation with cephalic presentation participated.

They performed breast stimulation for 3 days with an attendant midwife in a single maternity hospital. Each breast was stimulated for 15 minutes for a total of 1 hour per day. Saliva was collected 10 minutes before the intervention and 15, 30, 60, 75, and 90 minutes after the intervention, yielding 18 samples per woman.

Among a total of saliva samples from the 16 participants, OT level was measured in samples missing rate: The median OT level showed the highest values on day 3 of the breast stimulation, with a marked increase 30 min after the intervention. In the mixed models after multiple imputation for missing data, the OT level on the first day of intervention was significantly lower than that on the third day of intervention.

Uterine hyperstimulation was not observed. Following a 3-day breast stimulation protocol for spontaneous onset of labor, the mean OT level showed the highest values on day 3. The breast stimulation intervention protocol showed good feasibility in terms of practicality and acceptability among the pregnant women.

Oxytocin OT infusion is one of the most commonly used techniques for labor induction to avoid increased maternal and fetal risks beyond term [ 1 ]. However, labor induction is a relevant negative birth experience for women [ 2 , 3 ].

There is also speculation regarding the possible association between the use of synthetic OT and the development of autism, although no definite conclusion has been reached regarding the long-term adverse events of synthetic OT [ 4 , 5 ].

The effects of complementary and alternative medicine on labor induction are expected during membrane sweeping and breast stimulation [ 7 , 8 ]. In particular, breast stimulation has historically been used to induce and augment labor [ 9 ]. Breast stimulation for inducing labor has been studied by many researchers to date [ 10 — 16 ]. In the systematic review analysis of 6 trials consisting of women by Kavanagh et al.

The number needed to treat was only 4, indicating that effective intervention can still be achieved even with small numbers. The minimum breast stimulation time to induce spontaneous labor was reported to be 1 hour each day for 3 days [ 10 ].

Several mechanisms underlie the onset of labor, which appears to be associated with different plural factors. In particular, the underlying mechanism of breast simulation inducing the onset of labor is considered to be associated with the OT level. In the s, the most frequently investigated procedure for the contraction stress test CST was the induction of OT release by breast stimulation in pregnancy instead of the use of synthetic OT.

CST is an examination method for determining the coping ability of the fetus with uterine contractions mainly for high-risk pregnancies. It is one of the antepartum fetal surveillance assessment techniques. Amico et al. On the other hand, Ross et al. Thus far, the results obtained remain controversial, and little has been reported about OT levels following breast stimulation for 3 days to promote spontaneous onset of labor.

The objectives of this preliminary study were to 1 determine the changes in the salivary OT level during breast stimulation for promoting the spontaneous onset of labor in low-risk term pregnancies, and 2 clarify the feasibility of the breast stimulation intervention protocol used in terms of its practicality and acceptability.

This trial used a quasi-experimental single-arm time series design. This research was a feasibility study. The sample size was based on previous research reporting on saliva OT level from 11 breastfeeding women [ 19 ]. Previous studies reporting on plasma OT level in pregnant women involved about 10 to 20 subjects [ 17 , 18 , 20 — 22 ]. The eligibility criteria were as follows: planned to give singleton birth by spontaneous cephalic delivery; between 38 and 40 weeks of gestation; Asian and can read and write Japanese; received permission from the obstetrician or midwife to participate.

A flowchart demonstrating the recruitment of the study participants is shown in Fig 1. When eligible pregnant women at 34 weeks of gestation visited the outpatient ward for a prenatal check-up, we verbally explained our research in a place without a nurse or an obstetrician. After obtaining consent, we decided with the participant the first intervention day after 38 weeks of gestation.

Women also received a refusal form at that time with an explanation that they can withdraw any time without any disadvantage. In the data collection facility of this study, pelvic examination is performed for all pregnant women after the 37 weeks check-up. Membrane sweeping may be performed at the discretion of an obstetrician after 39 gestational weeks.

The experiments were held in the hospital for 3 consecutive days. There were some subjects who had perinatal check-ups by obstetricians before and after the experiment. Data were collected at a single maternity hospital in Kanagawa, Japan between June and August The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board of St. The breast stimulation intervention time was 3 days. The same time of the day was used to control for diurnal effects. Saliva was collected within the period from to hrs.

The participants were asked to refrain from sexual intercourse and drinking alcohol before the day of intervention. They were also instructed to finish their meal, brush their teeth, and not to smoke 1 hour before the intervention.

They were also asked not to use a lipstick. The experiment was started 30 minutes after the intake of mL of water. At the start of the study, the cervix score was evaluated for cervical ripening Fig 2 ; cervical check using a modified Bishop Score.

Cervical ripening can be a possible option for evaluating the intervention in relation to the endpoint. The evaluators were composed of 3 midwives who have 10 years of experience to standardize the assessment. The participants performed breast stimulation for 3 days together with an attendant midwife in the hospital.

To standardize the intervention technique, a midwife demonstrated how to perform breast stimulation for 10 minutes using a breast model prepared from wool and a pressure-measuring instrument Perineometer, OWOMED, Gyeonggido, South Korea. The recommended stimulation pressure was between 20 and 50 mmHg, which is a gentle pressure and does not damage the nipple.

To achieve a stimulation rhythm of 69 beats per minute, a lighting electric metronome SQ50V, Seiko Watch Corporation, Tokyo, Japan without a sound was used as guide.

Each breast was stimulated for 15 minutes, beginning on the right, alternating between the breasts to prevent uterine hyperstimulation, for a total of 1 hour per day.

Breast stimulation was performed by pinching the breast to a degree that did not hurt starting from the outer areola to the nipple using the thumb, forefinger, and middle finger. Direct self-stimulation of the breast was performed using either the left or right hand with Pure Horse Oil Sonbahyu; Yakushido, Fukuoka, Japan.

To address concerns or worries regarding the presence of others during breast stimulation, a nursing cover was used. We managed the time and notified the participants. Cardiotocography CTG readings were obtained during the intervention to record uterine activity and check the fetal heart rate.

Adequate uterine contraction was defined as having at least 3 contractions lasting for 40 seconds each occurring within 10 minutes. The frequency of uterine contraction can also be a possible option for evaluating the intervention in relation to the endpoint. The participants watched a prepared movie i. After the intervention, the participants answered a questionnaire on the feasibility of the experimental intervention. Cervical ripening was reassessed at the end of the intervention.

The intervention was performed by 3 midwives consisting of the first author and 2 research assistants. They had adequate CTG reading ability gained from their more than 5 years of clinical experience and over cases of conducting labor management for this feasibility study. For the intervention standardization, the explanations for the participants and intervention details were unified. Moreover, the first author consistently participated in the experiments twice at the beginning to ensure that the research assistants can properly implement the intervention procedure.

Braxton-Hicks contractions can be confused with real contractions. Here are some natural ways to start contractions. Are you pregnant and past your due date? Help induce labor naturally by pressing on these acupressure points along the body.

During pregnancy your skin expands to accommodate your growing belly. But after having the baby, many women still have loose skin, even after losing…. Every delivery is as unique and individual as each mother and infant. Each woman may have a completely new experience with each labor and delivery. There are some natural ways to induce labor. If your due date is here, read this and talk to your doctor about what's right for you.

Skin conditions and rashes can occur at any time throughout your pregnancy. Some common conditions include varicose veins and stretch marks. The postpartum period refers to the first six weeks after childbirth. If you're looking into an unmedicated or natural birth, be sure to add these blogs to your must-follow list. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.

Is it safe to induce at home? How do I perform nipple stimulation? What are some other safe labor-inducing techniques? When should you head to the hospital? Parenthood Pregnancy 3rd Trimester. Do not try to induce labor at home or use your breast pump to induce labor — even if you are at or past your expected due date — if you have not first discussed this option in detail with your doctor.

Medela Family Products. Breastfeeding Guide. Here are the facts. Share this content. Induced Lactation and Adoptive Breastfeeding. Is it true? Labour and birth Planning your baby's birth Giving birth Pain relief in labour Where to give birth Labour videos Caesarean section Labour complications. Community groups. Home Pregnancy Labour and birth Natural ways to get labour started. Bringing on labour: an overview. Your midwife can perform a cervical sweep to get labour going if you're overdue.

Find out what it involves. More labour and birth videos. References Buckley SJ. Schaffir J. Birth — Herbal therapies in pregnancy: what works? Unexpected consequences: women's experiences of a self-hypnosis intervention to help with pain relief during labour.

BMC pregnancy and childbirth, 15, Complementary and alternative medicine for induction of labour. Women Birth 25 3 : Use of herbal medicines by pregnant women: What physicians need to know. Front Pharmacol. The association of sexual intercourse during pregnancy with labor onset.