[Supplementation of antenatal cardiotocography (nonstress test) by nipple self stimulation].

Self-stimulations of nipples were performed in 155 late pregnant women in connection with antenatal cardiotocography (nonstress test). Cardiotocographs were interpreted using an own score. Uterine contractions could be produced by nipple stimulation in 111 women (71.6 per cent). In 13 cases with score 6 to 8 these contraction contributed to explantation of fetal condition. In additional 11 cases with score 9 to 10 the attention was focussed to the reduced fetal or placental capacity by the suspect cardiotocogram. In this group frequency of caesarean section was increased significantly. In cases with successful nipple stimulation the rate of labour induction with effect was higher. Oxytocin liberation by nipple stimulation may be regarded as endogenous oxytocin stress test. This simple procedure which can be done quickly and without danger is supposed to be a good supplement to nonstress test. Its reliability can be improved and the success of induction of labour estimated.