Stripping Membranes

Does Sweeping the Membranes Start Labor?

Jul 22, 2008

New research shows that stripping or sweeping membranes does not induce labor or reduce the mother's chance of going past her due date.

When you reach your due date, your care provider may recommend a technique known as "sweeping" or "stripping" the membranes. This method has been long used by midwives and obstetricians as a way to start labor contractions. Several questions arise. How does stripping the membranes feel to the mother? What exactly does the process of stripping membranes involve? Does stripping the membranes start labor? And are there any risks to this procedure?

What is Sweeping the Membranes?

When your provider strips your membranes, this is done via a vaginal exam, typically very close to your due date. During the exam your provider will separate your amniotic sac from the cervix using his fingers.

You will typically feel some discomfort and it may feel like a longer and more painful vaginal exam than normal. It is not unusual to have some spotting for severals days after you have had your membranes stripped.

Does Stripping the Membranes Start Labor?

For years, providers used this technique routinely since they believed it would stimulate contractions. However new research published in the June 2008 issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology does not bear this out. This research shows that stripping the membranes does not shorten the pregnancy or prevent a mother from going past her due date.

Are there any RIsks in Stripping the Membranes?

The same research study above has confirmed that if a mother's cervix is dilated 1cm or more then sweeping or stripping her membranes may increase the chances of breaking the bag of waters. Unintentionally breaking the mother's water can create a need to start labor and may include a host of other complications such as the need for pitocin, antibiotics if labor is prolonged and potentially a greater chance of a caesarean.

Questions to Ask

Some providers strip their patients' membranes routinely if the mother goes past her due date, so it is always a good idea to check with your provider prior to any vaginal exam to verify whether or not she is planning to perform this procedure. Remember that all medical procedures should be done with the mother's prior consent and knowledge.

Do you need to have labor started? If there are medical indications that require an induction of labor, either medically or naturally, be sure to talk with your provider about your options. In most cases, it is perfectly normal to pass your due date by a week or more before it is necessary to stimulate labor.

The copyright of the article Stripping Membranes in Birthing Options is owned by Brenda Lane. Permission to republish Stripping Membranes in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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Comments

Sep 17, 2008 7:57 PM

Guest :

my dr. did this procedure today and i have had strong contractions ever since on and off

Sep 23, 2008 5:42 PM

Guest :

The doctor did this procedure to me yesterday, (as of yesterday I was 5 days overdue) I was only dialated 1cm (enough to fit a fingertip in). It was intensely uncomfortable and quite painful and I have had no changes and no contractions since.

Sep 25, 2008 2:10 PM

Guest :

i dont know what my dr just did to me but i feel so agitated and in so much pain right now. if he stripped my membranes he damn sure didnt tell me. he told me that i was 2cm dilated. which i wasnt dilating at all.

Oct 1, 2008 7:32 AM

Guest :

My midwife did this to me yesterday and it was slightly uncomfortable, but not painful. She informed me that it would only help bring on labor, if my body was indeed ready for it. Last night, it seemed I was ready with regular and hard contractions, but this a.m. very intermitten. Guess I have to keep waiting. 8 days overdue today.

Oct 5, 2008 9:33 PM

Guest :

My Dr did this to me two days ago and nothing has happen. But it was so painful to get done I wanted to burst into tears. And my cervix is still closed

Oct 6, 2008 9:52 PM

Guest :

I had this done today in L&D. I am over due and I hope that I will be able to start labour with out having to be induced. I am afriad to be induced becuase I don't think my body is ready.

Oct 8, 2008 6:42 PM

Guest :

Had this done today, (fully effaced, baby's at 0, and 4 cm dialated), was uncomfortable but nothing compared to a real contraction... so far only very intermitten contractions and no bloody show. We'll see what the rest of the night brings.

Oct 23, 2008 11:29 AM

Guest :

I had my memberanes stripped yesterday morning at 37 1/2 weeks and I had lots of cramping last night and this morning. I also think I lost my mucous plug. I think the cramping is getting less and less and I was hoping to go into labor. I am supposed to call my doctor in the morning and give her an update?

Oct 23, 2008 9:27 PM

Guest :

I believe my OB did strip my membranes today - she didn't tell me that but being a Neonatal Nurse, I kind of figured what was going on as it was a much more invasive and painful internal exam than usual. So far, I just hurt down there - but no real contractions yet.

Oct 24, 2008 8:36 AM

Guest :

After delivering 3 times with midwives, I delivered a 4th child with an OB who stripped my membranes without explaining or justifying the procedure. I was in active labor and dilated to a 7 at the time, but the procedure was terribly painful and unsettling. I was willing to forgive it at the time merely because of the distress of advanced natural labor. However, since then, and especially recently, OB research has confirmed my suspicions that this procedure has an insignificant effect on progression of labor and that it is generally unnecessary and stressful for the mother.

Oct 25, 2008 9:05 AM

Guest :

i had this done at 38 weeks, and i went into labor 24 hours later.

Oct 27, 2008 2:21 PM

Guest :

I'm 38 weeks today and already 4 cm dilated and 50% effaced. My doc stripped my membranes today saying it would advance labor.. i didn't realize what "stripping" actually meant in terms of separating the bag of waters from my cervix!!! I also have had a lot of swelling in my entire body and am ready to have this baby!!! I wonder if what she did will make any difference at all?

Nov 3, 2008 8:19 PM

Guest :

I have discussed not wanting to be induced with my doctor, however he has had his own plans. Two days before my due date I went in for a check up and he "checks to see if I was dialated", I specifially asked if he was removing my plug and he says no, mind you he checked me the week before as well, so I knew it felt more painful. Then he sends me for a biopshycial profile the next day only to find my daughter is 3 weeks premature. In the ten minutes it took me to drive home, less than 24 hrs after he decided to play GOD, I lost my plug. If there was something wrong with her I would not have been so cross with him. He still scheduled me for an induction a L&D today (didn't go). This is my sixth child, and my convictions are the same now as they were on the first God will present this child when he has it ready. She is kicking it up and lettin me know she is alive and well! I believe that doctors should respect the patient, and in delivery they are there to assist and take further action in case of emergancy. The good Lord above has been putting children on this earth longer than we had doctors. I am furious with my doctor because he felt that medical box was more important than the patient. Why is it that processes like this are done so needlessly and so frequently now?

Nov 4, 2008 7:50 AM

Guest :

I am 38 weeks and a couple of days and my doctors want me to strip the membranes. I am not so sure I want to do this..but I havent had a the perfect pregnancy. I have had extreme high protein but my kidneys are functioning great. So, I am going to question and see why they want to do this..but I am with that one lady..God is in control and there is a reason she is staying in the womb..So I am torn!

Nov 4, 2008 8:35 PM

Guest :

For the woman who is expecting her 6th child, you'd think the doctor would consider you the expert by now! goodness gracious. sounds like many of these doctors don't believe patients have the brains to make any decisions for themselves. My naturopath will sometimes strip the membranes, but only at the 28th week or later and only if you feel comfortable with it. Why on earth a doctor would do it during labor, is beyond me as well. Sounds like people who hear of a good thing and try to apply it in every situation, even when not applicable. I am considering trying it this pregnancy to hopefully avoid a repeat c-section. If i go over, it's an automatic c-section for me.

Nov 5, 2008 7:01 PM

Guest :

I had this done today on my due date and it was extremely painful to me. I was told that I am 3 cm dilated and he was going to strip the membranes, I wanted to scream it hurt so bad. As of so far today there have been no changes except a lot of painful cramping. I won't let them do it again that's for sure, I'll just wait it out!

Nov 13, 2008 9:20 AM

Guest :

I had it done with my first son and within two hours my water broke.

Nov 21, 2008 4:51 PM

Guest :

i had mine stripped yesterday due to my blood pressure being so high. my midwife did warn me that there would be a lot of pressure, but that wasnt the half of it. it hurt so bad! I've been having really hard contractions randomly and everytime i move but nothing regular. they were trying to get me to go into labor over the weekend instead of inducing me, though they due have a date to induce me early in the week. i dont know how many more days of these pains i can take. i dont see how its helping my blood pressure issue. i really dont know what to do.

Nov 21, 2008 6:15 PM

Guest :

I was told by my midwife that if I go a week past my due date she will begin stripping my membranes so hopefully I will go into labor before that happens I am 39 weeks. It does not sound like a pleasant procedure and I already hate the feeling of pelvic exams. I wish everyone luck.

Nov 22, 2008 9:28 PM

Guest :

I am 39 weeks and 4 days. I am pregnant with my 3rd child. I had never heard of this procedure until yesterday while the Dr. was doing it. It was not that painful, just very uncomfortable. It has been over 32 hrs now. I have been having minor cramping and some bleeding but no contractions. I am suppose to be induced in 2 days and since I have been through that before and it took so long I had hoped this would help. I have never had a smooth pregnancy and this has had to have been the worst. I would just like it to be over with!

Nov 25, 2008 2:53 PM

Guest :

I had my membranes stripped today and so far I haven't felt a thing. I am 5 days overdue and only 1 cm dialated. The procedure was slightly uncomfortable, but not painful at all and it only took a few seconds.

Dec 9, 2008 1:11 PM

Guest :

I just had my membranes stripped today, I'm 38 weeks and 2 days, it did not hurt and I have had on and off contractions all afternoon but nothing regular yet.

Dec 13, 2008 7:04 AM

Guest :

I had mine done yesterday. I was 38 weeks and 2 days. He said that when he checked me I was 4 centimeters dilated. and 60% effaced. he said that my cerix was really soft and stretchy.. and he stretched my to 5 centimeters. He said that he would give me a week. and If I hadn't gone into labor by than that he would be surprised.. this is my first child.. which I find kind of strange

Dec 15, 2008 11:04 AM

Guest :

I'm due this Thursday (Dec. 18th 08), and when I went to the doctor this morning she stripped my membranes. I was only dilated a "very tight 2" and when she done the exam it hurt like hell! My contractions are a little stronger now but I doubt they'll improve very much. I'm hoping this does something and he comes out soon or else I'll be in the hospital on Christmas!!

Dec 15, 2008 3:12 PM

Guest :

I am 38 weeks and 1 day. My doctor today stripped my membranes, I am 4 cm dialated and 80% effaced, the baby is at a 0 station. Hopefully this works, I even went for a 3 mile walk with my mother to try and have something happen. No matter what anyone says this procedure is NOT painful, just uncomfortable.

Dec 15, 2008 3:13 PM

Guest :

Dec 17, 2008 12:14 AM

Guest :

I don't know--worked for me! I was 11 days past my due date and my OB stripped my membranes. We were back 12 hours later with contractions 3 1/2 minutes apart. I think it definitely helped me avoid an induction.

Dec 29, 2008 8:50 PM

Guest :

My doctor did this today. It was really painful. I have been having really bad stomach cramps all day...

Jan 13, 2009 3:25 PM

Guest :

I had this procedure done twice and it really wasnt that bad just a little uncomfortable. I am now 38 weeks and still waiting so hopefully this will be it for me!!

Jan 22, 2009 9:29 AM

Guest :

My doc did this to me today and I found it uncomfortable, but not painful. I've been having moderate contractions ever since. I'm 39 1/2 weeks and only 2 cm dilated. Hope it works!

Jan 24, 2009 11:35 AM

Guest :

I am 9 days overdue, at 1.5cm, after a 24hr stay in the hospital on Cervadil with limited results I opted to come home and wait it out a bit more (instead of trying Pitocin). Baby looked perfect on an ultrasound, and my blood pressure/health is great. Before going home my doc stripped my membranes which was uncomfortable, hurt a bit but was not terrible, there is a bit of blood afterward and you may see some of the membranes come out a bit clotted and spotty. Overall it is a quick 'procedure' lasting a couple of minutes. The next day I am still not having regular contractions. Hopefully walking and other natural methods will work.

Jan 26, 2009 6:42 PM

Guest :

I am 39 weeks and 3 days today. I am having an over ten pound baby, so my midwife wanted to move things along alittle more quickly. I am 2 centimeters dilated and 50% effaced. So last night she stripped my membranes. Let me tell you that hurt like no other. BUT on the other hand...I am contracting now! They are two minutes long and 16 minutes apart...looks like it may have worked? But its hard to tell I supposed if it was just coincidence.

Feb 3, 2009 10:38 AM

Guest :

I am 39 weeks and 5 days today. I'm only 1 cm dialated and was told I was slightly effaced. My doctor stripped my membrane today! I found it to be uncomfortable but only slightly painful. I didn't notice a difference from any other prior exam I've been given during my pregnancy. We'll see if it helps the process of labor!

Feb 18, 2009 12:53 PM

Guest :

I am 4 days overdue and my docs have been stripping my cervix evry week for 4 weeks and Im am barely at 2cm. I think Ive had 3 different docs do it & only one hurt really bad (that doc was rough & insensitive!!) I had really bad menstral like cramps for the rest of the day & the next morn and lost a little more of my plug and now i feel fine again. If I could go back I would not do that again. I think its the luck of the drawl!! Good luck ladies!!

Feb 20, 2009 12:40 PM

Guest :

Obviously if your doctor strips your membranes it is based on imperical scientifically proven evidence that the doctor truely believes. I had mine done today (I am 7 days overdue)and sure it hurt while he was doing it, but it is nothing compared to labour or being uncomfortable for more days than nessecary.

Feb 27, 2009 3:40 PM

Guest :

I had this done today - IT WAS NOT PAINFUL AT ALL! -I don't understand why this seems to be a problem for so many, maybe I'm just lucky - It has never been painful and I have delivered 3 children within 48 hours of the procedure. Here's to number four...

Mar 4, 2009 10:31 AM

Guest :

my dr. did this procedure yesterday and two ago. i'm only dialated 3cm. i have only had two contraction.

Mar 27, 2009 10:20 AM

Guest :

Hello! I had my membranes stripped last Friday March 20th at 3:45pm at 38 weeks. When I got to the doctor I was dialated to three. I had my son that night at 8:30pm. I'd definitely say in my experience it worked but as with anything everyone is different and if you are miserable and can't seem to have the baby I'd try it again... But CAUTION it does hurt!!

Mar 28, 2009 8:40 AM

Guest :

THis is my 3rd baby and the first time I have ever had my membranes stripped. I had been having strong contractions for 3 days (still only 3cm)before my doctor did it. All exams have been hard with this one (not with the other 2) but I was caught off guard by the pain, which only lasted for another minute.
It has been 24 hours since he stripped my membranes and so far the contractions have slowed down alot (almost completely) and nothing natural has helped either. I am very frustrated and depressed just waiting for things to finally happen.
Unfortunatly a hard ending to a hard pregnancy.

Apr 1, 2009 7:24 AM

Guest :

I just had my membranes stipped this AM and I've had a few hard contractions since. I am 4 CM and 90% effaced. It was a lot of pressure but it didn't hurt per se. This preganancy has been very easy and all of my OBs (I have four total at my practice) have been wonderful. In reading some of the other comments, NO ONE should ever have an OB that does anything painful or doesn't tell them what's going on. SHAME SHAME on those OBs, total jerks. ANd NO ONE should let their OB schedule them for an induction, babies only put on a few OUNCES when they go past 40 weeks, the person who said 1/2 lb per week is totally WRONG. Stripping CAN hurt but it should never be done unless your actually dilating. That's when it hurts, the OB has to stick their finger through a tightly closed cervix and that WOULD hurt. I'm due in four days but as the head is at 0 station, I figured why not.

Apr 14, 2009 12:12 PM

Guest :

My Dr. did this to me with my first child and I went into labor within 24 hrs. I do not believe that it is painful but I will say it is a little uncomfortable. I am pregnant again and I would rather my Dr. try the stripping then inducing me. I guess it is different for everyone.

Apr 23, 2009 7:21 PM

Guest :

Guest: April 23,2009
I'm 39 weeks today and I had my membranes stripped and I can say it doesn't hurt it just a little uncomfortable but o.k. but I haven't had any major contraction yet just maybe 1 to 2 but I dialated 2cm and I'm just really ready for my baby to come and I guess he's not. This is my first time ever hearing about stripping the membrane and I just wanted to know does it really work.My due date is 04-28-09.

Apr 24, 2009 11:34 AM

Guest :

Natural childbirth was a picnic compared to what my doctor did to me before delivery! Four days before my due date, my doctor used a sharp instrument like an icepick to strip my membranes (without asking me). I was dilated at 8 cm. By the time he finished with me, the nurses had to help me get dressed. I couldn't stand up straight and had to hold onto the building to make it to my car without falling down. I was bleeding horribly and felt like I had a giant papercut inside my body. It hurt to sit, stand, walk, lie down, you name it. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.

May 5, 2009 12:04 PM

Guest :

I had my membranes stripped by my dr. at my appointment 5 days before my due date. It was pretty uncomfortable/slightly painful, but over in less than 30 seconds. My appointment was at 3:30 pm. I was 2 cm dilated and 75% effaced.

Prior to that, I had only had miled Braxton Hicks contractions. I woke up with painful contractions just before 1:00 am & I delivered just before 6 am. This was my first baby, and a really quick labor! I think my body was ready, and stripping my membranes put me into labor. I was thrilled not to go over my due date!

May 13, 2009 7:19 PM

Guest :

I had this done with my first pregnancy and it was uncomfortable not very painful, but it surely didnt work for me..

May 19, 2009 3:27 PM

Guest :

I went to my doctor while 9 days past due, and the doctor performed this while doing a routine cervical exam, catching me by surprise as I felt my insides cramp and feel like the skin between my fingers was being torn apart....For the next day after, I have barely been able to stand up or lie on my side, and am in extreme pain, with bleeding...I have read somewhere that the procedure should be performed slowly over 15-20 minutes, but with me it was a fast 30 second deal, and I feel terrible. This is my second baby and honestly I will never agree to this procedure again. No contractions resulted, only cramps and pain and bleeding.....and now I wonder how I will be able to push when my insides feel like they have been beaten up? My last delivery was easy 4 hours, with quick pushing....but I am nervous about pushing with this preexisting pain now......

May 20, 2009 7:44 AM

Guest :

Yesterday my midwife stripped my membranes, I asked her to because I'm 3cm dilated. This morning my mucus and bloody show came out. I'm so excited. Last pregnancy when she did this my water broke 6 days later.

Jun 2, 2009 7:18 PM

Guest :

To those who think the stripping of the membranes is 'beyond painful', how in the world do you plan on giving birth?! This is my second child, I'm 38 weeks and had mine stripped today, yes it's a bit uncomfortable, but it's just a little way of helping Mother Nature along.

Jun 8, 2009 1:31 PM

Guest :

i am 38 1/2 weeks pregnant and 3 cm dilated. My doctor stripped my membranes today and i really didn't think it was painful at all. i have been having contractions today and i am excited to see what happens! If nothing happens....i am being induced on friday!

Jun 16, 2009 12:23 PM

Guest :

I am 38 weeks today, 4cm dilated and 90% effaced. I had my membranes swepped this morning and yes, it was uncomfortable, but not terribly painful. The way I look at it is, if I couldn't handle this procedure, how could I expect to handle labour?
I was diagnosed with a short cervix at 30 weeks (I was 0.7cm at that point) and was put on bed rest. I lost my mucus plug 2 weeks ago, and still nothing! Here's hoping this membrane sweep triggers something today. My OB even felt the baby's head and the bag of waters (I was hoping she would break it when she felt it). lol Come on contractions!!

Jun 18, 2009 8:29 AM

Guest :

I have a feeling my midwife did this at my appointment yesterday because I had an extremely painful internal check (I am 40 weeks, 1 day and requested to be checked) - although I did NOT want a sweep or stretch which is exactly what it felt like. I must say that the pain/comfort level of this procedure entirely depends on the persons pain threshold/tolerance AND the doctor or midwife who performs the procedure! Remember that in labor you normally build up to the high pain level and your mind/body is given a chance to acclimate itself to this - it is not (normally) an all of a sudden mad rush of pain, unless you are unlucky!!

Jun 23, 2009 8:17 AM

Guest :

I have mixed feelings on this procedure, seems to work for some and not others - so maybe it is more of a coincidence than anything if it appears to work? I had my membranes stripped three times over two weeks with my first child and nothing, I was finally induced at 41 weeks and two days overdue. I am now 39 weeks with my second child and I had my membranes stripped yesterday - it is very uncomfortable but I wouldn't say painful. Nothing seems to be happening this time either. But I will try ANYTHING to try and have this baby and will keep trying until I have to be induced again. He is big just like my first, so the sooner he is out, the better for me!

Jun 29, 2009 5:22 PM

Guest :

I had to meet the last Dr. in the practice I go to today and I think he stripped my membrane today... it was a longer and more painful exam. I also was bleeding immedietly afterwards... and not just a little blood like a normal exam. I am also unsure if I lost my mucus plug at this point? There was a lot of blood on my lap gown and a "glob" also? Does this sound like the mucus plug to anyone? This is our first child. I am 38 wks and 2 days, 3cm and @ 90%. Also have been cramping and Braxton Hicks for 2 days now...

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