Categories: Frequently Asked Questions For Parents Reproductive Health

Stripping or sweeping the membranes is the separation of 2-3 cm of the membranes (bag around the baby) from the underlying cervix or lower part of the uterus. It is done during a vaginal examination with the finger of the examiner. There is some evidence from research studies, and many practitioners believe, that stripping the membranes may help to start labor in women who are past their due date (from 41-42 weeks of gestation). Unfortunately, if the cervix is closed, it is not possible to strip the membranes, and it is the woman with a closed cervix who has the greatest chance of not going into labor on her own. The procedure of stripping the membranes is no more uncomfortable than the usual vaginal exam (never very comfortable!) and has not been shown to cause complications such as infection or bleeding.

Stripping membranes is done during a vaginal examination with the
finger of the examiner. There is some evidence from research studies,
and many practitioners believe, that stripping the membranes may help
to start labor in women who are past their due date (from 41-42 weeks
of gestation). Unfortunately, if the cervix is closed, it is not
possible to strip the membranes, and it is the woman with a closed
cervix who has the greatest chance of not going into labor on her own.
The procedure of stripping the membranes is no more uncomfortable than
the usual vaginal exam (never very comfortable!) and has not been shown
to cause complications such as infection or bleeding.