Background: Stripping or sweeping of the membranes aims to initiate labour through a cascade of physiological events. These may reduce pregnancy duration or pre-empt formal induction of labour with either oxytocin, prostaglandins or amniotomy. Objectives: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of membrane sweeping to promote or induce labour on maternal and perinatal outcomes. Selection criteria: Adequately controlled trials of digital separation of the membranes from the lower uterine segment for inducing labour or for preventing post-term pregnancy, compared to either no vaginal examination or vaginal examination for cervical assessment only without the intention to detach the membranes.

Stripping or sweeping of membranes is a manual technique used to start labor. The technique involves placing a finger inside the opening of the cervix and separating the membrane amniotic sac from the uterus. The goal is not to break the water but to stimulate the body in such a way as to trigger labor contractions. This is easily done while performing a vaginal exam. The stripping of membranes is a technique long used by midwives when a pregnancy is abnormally prolonged.

The stretch and sweep, or membrane sweep, done late in pregnancy can help you go into labour sooner. By Colleen Fisher Tully March 22, Is it worth the additional pain and discomfort you might endure? Also referred to as a membrane sweep, a membrane stripping or simply a sweep, this technique involves gently lifting the amniotic sac—or fetal membrane—from the cervix and lower part of the uterus. Late in pregnancy, a doctor or midwife inserts a gloved finger through the cervical canal and uses a sweeping motion to separate the membrane from the cervix.