As your due date gets closer, it’s completely normal to wonder if there’s anything that might help labor begin. At one of your final prenatal visits, your provider may mention a membrane sweep.

A membrane sweep, also called membrane stripping, is a procedure your doctor or midwife may offer near the end of pregnancy to help encourage labor. During the procedure, they gently separate the amniotic sac from the lower part of the uterus near the cervix, which may stimulate the release of natural prostaglandins. It doesn’t involve medication, but it can cause cramping, spotting, and discomfort.^1,2,7

Here’s what a membrane sweep is, when it may be offered, what it feels like, and what to ask your provider before deciding.

What Is a Membrane Sweep?

A membrane sweep, also called membrane stripping, is a procedure in which your doctor or midwife gently separates the amniotic sac from the lower part of the uterus near the cervix.^1,2,7

Your baby’s amniotic sac surrounds them with fluid that cushions their body and lets them practice breathing, swallowing, and peeing. The amniotic sac pushes right up against the walls of your uterus, stretching and growing together as the baby develops.⁶

When your body detects that the uterus and amniotic sac are starting to separate, it can release prostaglandins. These chemicals soften your cervix and can cause contractions. If your body is ready, these effects may help encourage labor to begin.² Your healthcare provider can perform a membrane sweep during a prenatal visit, and it may help encourage labor to begin.^1,2

Related: Safe and Natural Ways To Induce Labor

When Can You Get a Membrane Sweep?

Membrane sweeps are usually offered near the end of pregnancy, often around 39 weeks or later. Some providers may offer one after 38 weeks, depending on your pregnancy and medical situation.^2,3,7

Your cervix also needs to be open enough for your provider to reach the membranes. If it isn’t, that doesn’t mean anything is wrong or that your body isn’t preparing for labor. Not everyone is a good candidate for a membrane sweep, and choosing not to have one is completely reasonable.^2,3,7

Who Can Do a Membrane Sweep?

A membrane sweep should only be performed by a doctor or certified midwife. These healthcare professionals are trained to perform the procedure safely while minimizing the risk of accidentally rupturing the amniotic sac.⁷

Related: 9 Tips for an Easier and Faster Labor

What to Expect During a Membrane Sweep

If you choose to have a membrane sweep, your provider will usually perform it during a cervical exam if your cervix is open enough. Here’s what you can typically expect during the procedure:⁷

• You’ll lie on an exam table and put your feet up in stirrups.
• Your provider will use a gloved hand to insert two fingers into your vagina.
• You may feel some pressure as they check your cervix for dilation.
• Your provider will gently push their finger(s) past the cervical opening alongside the baby’s head and use a circular motion to separate the sac from the inside wall of your uterus.
• Your provider will remove their fingers, and you can sit up.

After the procedure, your provider will let you know what to expect over the next day or two, including when to call if you have concerns.⁷

Related: Cervical Check: What Dilation, Effacement, and Station Mean

Does a Membrane Sweep Hurt?

Some pregnant women barely notice a membrane sweep; others must breathe through it and say it’s intense. It can depend on your pain tolerance, anatomy, and provider. Whatever your situation, the procedure is quick but uncomfortable.

If the procedure becomes too uncomfortable, let your provider know. You can ask them to pause or stop at any time.⁷

What Happens After a Membrane Sweep?

After a membrane sweep, mild cramping, spotting, and irregular contractions are common.^2,5,7

You might notice light bleeding, cramping, or irregular contractions after the procedure. These symptoms may gradually progress into labor, or they may fade away on their own.^2,5,7

If the membrane sweep doesn’t work, your provider may offer to repeat the procedure at a later prenatal visit if it’s appropriate for your pregnancy.^2,5,7

Does a Membrane Sweep Induce Labor?

A membrane sweep may help encourage labor, but it does not guarantee labor will start. Research suggests it can increase the likelihood of labor beginning naturally and may reduce the need for other induction methods.^1,4,7

However, results vary from person to person. A membrane sweep may be more effective if your cervix is already softened and beginning to dilate, you’re past 40 weeks of pregnancy, or you’re already in early labor.^1,4,7

Related: The Different Labor Induction Methods

Risks and Benefits of a Membrane Sweep

The risks and benefits of membrane sweeping are still being studied, but one large study found that no one who had their membranes swept experienced any harmful effects.¹ Let’s explore the risks and benefits of this procedure:

Risks

If you are eager to meet your baby, a membrane sweep may sound appealing. But it is still worth understanding the possible risks before deciding.³

• Irregular contractions
• Pain
• Vaginal bleeding

Some pregnant women decide the potential benefits outweigh these temporary side effects, while others prefer to wait for labor to begin on its own.

Benefits

If it’s successful, a membrane sweep may help labor begin naturally. Some studies suggest that this procedure can decrease the need for chemical induction with Pitocin. Other research found that pregnant women who had their membranes swept were more likely to go into labor before 41 weeks.^1,3

Related: Signs Labor Is Near: How To Know Baby Is Coming

A membrane sweep is one option to discuss as you get close to your due date, but it is not the right choice for everyone. Your provider can help you understand whether your cervix is ready, what the risks and benefits are, and whether it makes sense for your pregnancy.

If it works, it may help labor begin sooner. If it does not, that does not mean anything is wrong. Either way, you are getting closer to meeting your baby.