Abruptio placentae following nipple stimulation.

A case of severe abruptio placentae evolved during the course of prepartum electronic fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring which was associated with nipple stimulation. The fetal monitor tracing and clinical course are discussed. The unpredictability of abruptio placentae is underscored by the normal appearance of the FHR tracing immediately preceding the event. The association of nipple stimulation with abruptio placentae in this case raises concerns about the potential dangers of this surveillance technique.