Mammary stimulation test predicts preterm birth in nulliparous women

Objective : This prospective clinical trial was designed to assess the ability of the mammary stimulation test to predict preterm birth in a private nulliparous population. Study Design : The mammary stimulation test was performed between 26 and 28 weeks' gestation by 267 nulliparous women with singleton pregnancies. Test results were blinded to both patient and referring physician. Pregnancy outcome data were collected from the perinatal database and medical records. Results : The mammary stimulation test was positive in 45 of 266 (17%) patients. Delivery occurred at p p Conclusion : In this population traditionally considered to be at low risk for preterm birth a positive mammary stimulation test was useful in identifying patients at risk for preterm uterine activity and preterm birth. Equally important was the identification of women who were at low risk for preterm birth.