Near the end of pregnancy, it is natural to wonder whether there is anything you can do to help labor begin. Nipple stimulation is one method that has been studied because it can trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone that causes the uterus to contract.^5,6

Research suggests nipple stimulation may help encourage labor in some low-risk, full-term pregnancies. However, the evidence is limited, and contractions can become strong or irregular. It should only be tried after your doctor or midwife confirms that it is appropriate for your pregnancy and explains how to do it safely.^3,5,6

Here is how nipple stimulation works, what research says about its possible benefits, who should avoid it, and when to contact your care team.

Nipple stimulation works by triggering the release of oxytocin, which can cause uterine contractions. It should only be tried with approval and instructions from your doctor or midwife.^3,5,6

Does Nipple Stimulation Induce Labor?

Nipple stimulation may help encourage labor in some low-risk pregnancies at or near full term, but it does not guarantee labor will begin. It works by prompting the body to release oxytocin, which can cause uterine contractions.^5,6

Older research found that breast stimulation reduced the number of women who had not gone into labor within 72 hours compared with no intervention. However, the studies were small, protocols varied, and more research is still needed to determine who is most likely to benefit and which methods are safest.³

Because contractions may become strong or irregular, nipple stimulation should only be used with guidance from your doctor or midwife. ACOG advises that nipple stimulation for labor induction should happen under medical supervision.

Related: 13 Safe and Natural Ways To Induce Labor

How Does Nipple Stimulation Work?

Nipple stimulation activates nerves that signal the brain to release oxytocin from the posterior pituitary gland. Oxytocin causes the uterus to contract and is also the hormone used medically during some labor inductions.^5,6

If your cervix and uterus are ready for labor, those contractions may help labor begin or progress. If the body is not ready, nipple stimulation may cause contractions without leading to active labor.

Related: Signs Your Baby May Be Coming Soon

How to Do Nipple Stimulation for Labor

Do not try nipple stimulation to induce labor until your doctor or midwife confirms that you are full term, your pregnancy is low risk, and vaginal birth is appropriate for you. Ask for specific instructions about when to begin, how long to stimulate, when to stop, and whether any monitoring is recommended.^3,5,6

Research studies have used different techniques and timing schedules, so there is no single at-home method that has been proven safest or most effective. Some studies evaluated manual nipple stimulation, while others used a breast pump.^5,7

If your provider approves manual nipple stimulation, they may recommend:

1. Stimulating one breast at a time.⁴
2. Gently roll or rub the nipple and areola between your fingers.^4,6
3. Pausing if contractions begin and paying attention to how often they occur.
4. Stopping immediately if contractions become very frequent, unusually long, or intensely painful, and contacting your care team.

Related: Membrane Sweep: What It Is and What to Expect

What Are the Possible Benefits of Nipple Stimulation?

Research on nipple stimulation is limited, and study methods vary. In low-risk pregnancies at or near full term, possible benefits may include:^3,5,6

• Labor may begin within 72 hours: An older systematic review found fewer women remained out of labor within 72 hours after breast stimulation compared with no intervention.³
• Oxytocin release: Small studies have found increased oxytocin levels after nipple stimulation.⁶
• Cervical ripening: Some studies suggest breast stimulation may help soften and prepare the cervix for labor.⁵
• Less need for medical induction in some settings: Limited research suggests nipple stimulation may reduce the need for synthetic oxytocin or other induction methods for some women.⁵
• Possible effects on labor length: Some studies have reported shorter portions of labor, but findings have not been consistent.⁴

Related: Cervical Check: What Dilation, Effacement, and Station Mean

Is Nipple Stimulation Safe During Pregnancy?

Nipple stimulation may be appropriate for some low-risk pregnancies at or near full term, but it is not safe for everyone. Because it can trigger uterine contractions, you should not try it without approval from your doctor or midwife.^3,5

Your provider may advise against nipple stimulation if you have a high-risk pregnancy, placenta or fetal concerns, a history of certain uterine surgeries, or another condition that makes labor induction or vaginal birth inappropriate.

Some older studies reported abnormal fetal heart rate patterns in high-risk pregnancies. For that reason, research reviews have advised that breast stimulation not be used in high-risk pregnancies until its safety is better established.^3,5

When to Stop Nipple Stimulation and Call Your Care Team

Stop nipple stimulation and contact your doctor, midwife, or labor and delivery unit if:

• Contractions become very frequent, unusually long, or do not ease between contractions.
• You have vaginal bleeding.
• Your water breaks.
• You notice decreased fetal movement.
• You develop severe or constant abdominal pain.
• You feel lightheaded, unwell, or are concerned about any symptom.

Follow the instructions from your own care team, since recommendations may differ based on your pregnancy and where you plan to give birth.

When to Go to the Hospital

Whether labor begins on its own or after nipple stimulation, follow the instructions your doctor or midwife has given you about when to go to the hospital or birth center. Call your care team if you are unsure whether labor has started or if anything feels unusual.

Related: When To Go to the Hospital in Labor

You’re Having Contractions

Contractions may start out mild. As they become stronger and more regular, begin timing them. Many care teams use the 5-1-1 guideline, meaning contractions last about 1 minute, come every 5 minutes, and continue for 1 hour. However, follow the instructions from your doctor or midwife, as you may be advised to go to the hospital or birth center sooner.⁸

Your Water Breaks

If your water breaks, note the time and the fluid’s color, odor, and approximate amount.^9,13 Call your care team promptly so they can tell you when to go to the hospital or birth center.¹⁴

Related: How Do You Know if Your Water Broke?

You Have Vaginal Bleeding

Light spotting can sometimes happen as the cervix changes, but bleeding that resembles a menstrual period or feels heavy requires prompt medical evaluation. Contact your care team right away for guidance.

You Notice Decreased Fetal Movement

Contact your care team immediately if your baby is moving less than usual. They may advise you to go to the hospital or birth center for evaluation.¹³

The final weeks of pregnancy can feel long and uncomfortable, especially when you are eager to meet your baby. For some low-risk, full-term pregnancies, nipple stimulation may help encourage labor, but it is not the right choice for everyone.³˒⁵˒⁶

Before trying it, talk with your doctor or midwife about whether it is appropriate for your pregnancy and how they recommend using it. Their guidance is the best way to help protect both you and your baby while you wait for labor to begin.