Nipple Stimulation vs. Oxytocin Infusion for Inducing Labor
(STIM Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial compares nipple stimulation and a common medical intervention to start labor in first-time mothers. It aims to see if nipple stimulation can lead to better childbirth experiences and outcomes by boosting natural hormone levels.
Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?
The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your healthcare provider.
Is nipple stimulation safe for inducing labor compared to oxytocin?
How does nipple stimulation compare to oxytocin infusion for inducing labor?
Nipple stimulation is a non-drug, non-invasive method that can induce labor by naturally increasing uterine activity, often leading to a quicker onset of labor compared to oxytocin infusion. However, oxytocin tends to produce stronger uterine contractions, and some women may not respond to nipple stimulation, requiring a switch to oxytocin.12346
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Nipple Stimulation vs. Oxytocin Infusion for Inducing Labor?
Research shows that nipple stimulation can be a safe and effective alternative to oxytocin for inducing labor, as it can shorten the time to active labor and reduce the need for oxytocin. However, it may not always produce the same level of uterine activity as oxytocin, and some women may not respond to it.12346
Who Is on the Research Team?
Molly McAdow, MD, PhD
Principal Investigator
Yale University
Bethany Stetson, MD
Principal Investigator
Northwestern University
Moeun Son, MD, MSCI
Principal Investigator
Weill Medical College of Cornell University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for first-time mothers (nulliparous) who are at least 36 weeks pregnant, planning to start labor with oxytocin, and can consent. They must have a single baby in the correct position and not be in another study that affects labor or birth outcomes. Women with certain health conditions, previous nipple stimulation attempts, or planned cesarean deliveries cannot join.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants undergo intrapartum nipple stimulation or exogenous oxytocin infusion to induce labor
Postpartum Monitoring
Participants are monitored for breastfeeding success, maternal and neonatal outcomes, and satisfaction scores
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including depression scores and breastfeeding success
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Exogenous Oxytocin Infusion
- Intrapartum Nipple Stimulation
Exogenous Oxytocin Infusion is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada for the following indications:
- Induction of labor
- Augmentation of labor
- Postpartum hemorrhage
- Induction of labor
- Augmentation of labor
- Postpartum hemorrhage
- Induction of labor
- Augmentation of labor
- Postpartum hemorrhage
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Yale University
Lead Sponsor
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
Collaborator