CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

Stripping the Membranes to Induce Labor

Your doctor might strip your membranes to help get labor going—but what does that mean, and does it really work? Here's the scoop.
save article
profile picture of The Bump Editors
Updated May 10, 2017
Hero Image

To “strip” your membranes, your doctor will sweep her (gloved) finger over the thin membranes that connect the amniotic sac and your uterus. This prompts your body to release prostaglandins, hormones that ripen the cervix and can bring on contractions. This procedure won’t be done unless you go past your due date, and even then it isn’t guaranteed to work.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

pregnant woman sitting at home
What to Know About the Transverse Baby Position
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman sitting in bed holding belly
What Does Baby's Fetal Station in Labor and Delivery Mean?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
mother holding newborn baby after giving birth in hospital
What Happens Right After Baby Is Born?
By Liz Callahan Schnabolk
ADVERTISEMENT
man helping woman through labor and delivery
9 Ways to Support Your Birthing Partner During Labor and Delivery
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
woman in labor with eyes closed
A Quick Guide to HypnoBirthing and Its Techniques
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman in active labor in hospital bed
What Is Active Labor?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
smiling same sex female couple sitting together and looking at one of their pregnant bumps
What You Need to Know About a Mucus Plug
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman sitting at home looking at ultrasound photos
What Is Considered a Full-Term Pregnancy—and Why Does It Matter?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman going through labor in hospital
What Does Back Labor Feel Like?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
close up of pregnant woman sitting in passenger seat of car
What Is Precipitous Labor? (and What to Do if It Begins)
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
unrecognizable pregnant woman talking to doctor
What to Know About Group B Strep in Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman in bed touching her belly
What to Know About the Bloody Show During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman hooked up to monitors for labor and delivery
What Is Cervidil—and How Does It Help Induce Labor?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman looking in bathroom mirror
Should You Groom for the Delivery Room?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
doctor exam for pregnant woman bishop score
What Does Your Bishop Score Mean for Labor and Delivery?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman lying in hospital bed while in labor
What to Know About Amniotomy and the Artificial Rupture of Membranes
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
mom after labor and delivery in hospital bed with newborn baby
4 Must-Know Strategies for an Easier Labor and Delivery
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman sitting in hospital bed while in labor
Baby Is Coming: What to Know About Cervix Dilation
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
water splash and bubbles
What to Know About Your Water Breaking During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
What You Need to Know About Preterm Labor
What You Need to Know About Preterm Labor
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List