Membrane Stripping: What to Expect & When It's Used

Membrane stripping is a procedure that is sometimes used to induce labor in pregnant women who are past their due date. It involves the doctor or midwife inserting a finger into the cervix and gently separating the membranes that surround the baby from the uterine wall. This can help to stimulate contractions and start the labor process. Membrane sweeping for cervical ripening in pregnancy is sometimes tried when:

Your pregnancy has gone two weeks beyond your due date.

Your baby is estimated to be larger than average (macrosomia).

Your water has broken but you haven't started having regular contractions (prelabor rupture of membranes).

You've had a previous cesarean delivery (C-section).