A membrane sweep is a common procedure performed after 39 weeks of pregnancy to induce labor naturally. It’s performed by a healthcare provider and involves them inserting gloved fingers into your cervix to loosen your amniotic sac from your uterus. It's an effective way to progress labor when you’re near or past your due date.
A membrane sweep is when your healthcare provider sweeps a gloved finger across the membranes that connect your amniotic sac (a fluid-filled sac that contains the fetus) to the wall of your uterus. It’s performed once your cervix has begun to dilate and can’t be done if your cervix is still closed. This separation of the amniotic membranes from the uterus speeds up labor in pregnant people. Membrane sweeps help your body release chemicals called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins soften your cervix and prepare your body for labor. There’s no guarantee a membrane sweep will kickstart your labor or start contractions. It’s an optional procedure that your healthcare provider may suggest as you near or pass your due date.
It’s also called stripping the membranes, membrane stripping or sweeping the membranes.
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Your healthcare provider may suggest sweeping your membranes to start labor. It’s performed once your cervix is partially dilated (or open), but contractions haven’t begun or have started then stopped. It’s done around 39 or 40 weeks in pregnancy to avoid having to induce labor medically. Pregnancies that go beyond 41 or 42 weeks put you and the fetus at risk for complications. Membrane sweeps are often suggested as the first option to get labor started naturally before scheduling an induction date.
Membrane sweeps aren’t performed until 39 weeks or later in pregnancy but can be performed up until 42 weeks. You have to be slightly dilated, which allows your healthcare provider to reach up into the cervix to perform the sweep. If you’re high-risk or have underlying medical conditions, your healthcare provider may feel a membrane sweep is unsafe.
A membrane sweep is performed during a vaginal or cervical exam at around 40 weeks in pregnancy. It can sometimes be done sooner than 40 weeks if your healthcare provider feels there’s a medical need to try to naturally induce labor.
Your healthcare provider will insert one or two gloved fingers into your cervix and sweep around the top of the cervical opening in a circular motion. This helps separate the amniotic sac from the walls of your uterus without rupturing the sac (breaking your water). This triggers your body to release prostaglandins. This hormone softens, thins and dilates the cervix to prepare you for labor.
There’s a chance the membranes will rupture during this procedure and that’s OK. That’s why membrane sweeping is only performed after you’re full term.
It’s normal to experience some light bleeding after a membrane sweep. Some people experience contractions, cramping or mild discomfort afterward. If the bleeding becomes heavy or you have severe pain, contact your healthcare provider right away.
There’s no guarantee that labor will begin after your membranes are stripped. Studies have shown that membrane sweeps are likely to kickstart labor before 42 weeks and can help avoid a medical induction. Membrane sweeps may be more effective if:
Labor begins within 48 hours for most people after a membrane sweep. Every person and every pregnancy is a little different, so it’s hard to say how long it’ll take for your labor to start (or if it will).
The procedure only takes a few minutes, but it can be uncomfortable or slightly painful. Some people describe it as a rough cervical exam. You should expect some discomfort during and just after the membrane sweep. If the sweep worked, you may begin feeling contractions within a few hours.
The benefits of a membrane sweep are that it’s more likely to cause you to go into labor naturally and avoid a medical or planned induction. A medical or planned induction involves getting medication to start labor. Most people are very eager to meet their baby (and probably starting to feel a little uncomfortable) after 39 weeks of pregnancy. The odds that a membrane sweep can get your closer to seeing your baby is an added benefit.
Membrane sweeping is generally safe, but there are some risks involved. Other than the discomfort you’ll feel during the procedure, there’s a chance you’ll bleed afterward. It can also cause cramping that may be confused for contractions. During the procedure, there’s a small chance your water breaks (rupturing of the amniotic sac), which can carry its own set of risks.
Talk to your healthcare provider and weigh the risks and benefits of a membrane sweep. A membrane sweep isn’t recommended for people showing signs of needing a Cesarean delivery (C-section) due to other conditions.
Remember, some people will go into labor within a few days of a membrane sweep, while others won’t. Some of the most common symptoms after a membrane sweep are:
Pay attention to how you feel and ask your healthcare provider how to tell if you’re in labor.
Call your healthcare provider immediately if you experience severe pain or heavy bleeding after a membrane sweep. You can expect some cramping and bleeding, but anything severe may indicate a problem.
Some of the most common signs that labor has started are:
Membrane sweeping is effective. If you’ve never given birth before, it’s most effective if performed at 40 weeks. If you’ve already given birth at least once, it’s most effective closer to 41 weeks. One study showed that 90% of those who had a membrane sweep gave birth by 41 weeks compared to 75% who didn’t have the procedure.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Membrane sweeps are a safe and effective way to start labor in most people. While slightly uncomfortable, they can be a great first attempt at getting labor going naturally. Talk to your healthcare provider about membrane sweeping if you’re getting close to your due date. They can discuss the risks and benefits and what you can expect afterward.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 10/19/2021.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy