CONTRACTION STRESS TEST BY INTERMITTENT NIPPLE STIMULATION

  • 1 January 1984
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 63  (5) , 669-673
Abstract
Although the nonstress test generally supplanted the contraction stress test as the primary test for assessment of fetal well-being, the contraction stress test continues to be useful. Objectionable factors of the contraction stress test have included the time required to complete the test and the frequent necessity for i.v. oxytocin. A contraction stress test protocol using contractions produced by intermittent nipple stimulation was developed and the method used for 345 tests on 193 high-risk pregnancies during a 15-mo. period. The women were instructed to stimulate 1 breast, through their clothes, for 2 min and then to rest for 5 min. This cycle was repeated as necessary, but was interrupted whenever contractions began. Using this protocol, an adequate contraction frequency was achieved with every attempt and hyperstimulation was not more frequent than previously reported with the standard contraction stress test. The average time requirement was 45 min. No unexplained stillbirths occurred after a negative test.

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