Is Nipple Stimulation Effective for Inducing Labor and Acceptable to Patients, Nurses, and Providers?
Starting soon · Not applicable
Conditions studied: Pregnancy, Induction of Labor
In brief
In this study the investigators will be testing the use of the Symphony PLUS® breast pump for nipple stimulation. Typically, breast pumps are used to start breast milk production and collect breast milk in patients after delivering their baby. The device uses cup-shaped pieces called flanges that are placed over the patient's nipples and then a gentle vacuum or suction is applied. The mechanical effect of the suction on the nipple is thought to cause the release of a substance called oxytocin in one's body, which encourages labor and contractions to begin. Some reasons why nipple stimulation might be better than other induction of labor methods are that it allows the patient to have more control over their induction process, it uses the patient's own oxytocin instead of synthetic (or factory-produced) oxytocin, and it may shorten the time that it takes to deliver the baby.
Key facts
- Study ID
- NCT07588529
- Run by
- University of Kansas Medical Center
- People needed
- 48
- Starts
- 2026-07-01
- Expected to finish
- 2028-12-01
- Last updated by the study team
- 2026-05-14
Who can join
Age: 18 and older, up to 50. Sex: female. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.
You may qualify if…
- All patients presenting to KUMC labor \& delivery for IOL will be considered for this study.
- Maternal
- ≥18 years old and ≤ 50 years old
- ≥37wga and ≤ 42wga
- Intact amniotic membranes
- English speaking Fetal
- Cephalic presentation
You may not qualify if…
- Maternal
- Inability to give informed consent
- History of cesarean delivery or uterine myomectomy
- History of uterine rupture
- Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy
- Maternal life-threatening conditions
- Active HSV
- Gestational hypertension, Preeclampsia (severe or w/o severe features), HELLP, chronic hypertension on medications
- Placental
- Placenta previa, vasa previa
- Suspicion for abnormally adherent placenta
- Chorioamnionitis
- Placental abruption
- Fetal
- Multifetal gestation
- category 2 or 3 fetal heart tracing upon presentation (does not include isolated variable deceleration)
- EFW > 5000 grams in mother with diabetes
- EFW > 4500 grams in mother without diabetes
- Fetal demise
- Fetal growth restriction <10th centile
- Any other contraindication for vaginal birth or anticipation of need for NICU for care of baby
Where it is running
- University of Kansas Medical Center — Kansas City, Kansas, United States
Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov
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