Your due date is approaching and your doctor suggests inducing labor with a membrane sweep (also known as stripping). Why perform this procedure? Does it work well? Will it be painful? What should I expect? We answer all your questions in this short article.

The procedure

Cervical sweeping is a procedure that doctors or midwives can perform to detach the amniotic membrane that may be adhering to the inner surface of the cervix. To do this, the practitioner inserts a finger between the two tissues and then, in a quick circular motion, applies gentle pressure around the circumference.

Cervical sweeping is a natural way to stimulate labor in a pregnant woman who is full term. It is most often performed between 38 and 41 weeks, if the cervix is favorable (cervical maturity: soft, supple, and open enough to allow the insertion of fingers). This technique is sometimes offered in certain situations and is always voluntary for the pregnant woman.

By detaching the amniotic membrane from the internal cervix, the professional encourages the amniotic sac to exert pressure on the opening of the cervix. This will help with effacement, dilation, or the onset of labor by promoting a natural rupture of the membrane under the effect of pressure. The aim is to help labor start naturally and physiologically and to avoid artificial induction with synthetic hormones to induce labor and delivery.

Success rate

It is difficult to determine the success rate of this practice, as labor does not automatically start following this procedure.

In addition, it is important to note that the mechanical technique may not work the first time, or may not work at all. In the former case, the doctor or midwife may repeat the procedure a second time if the mother consents or requests it.

Is it painful?

In terms of the pain felt during a sweep, it can be quite surprising and uncomfortable, but the sensation is usually short-lived. However, as each person has their own pain threshold and sensitivity, some pregnant women may experience more intense pain during the technique and have stomach aches afterwards.

After the procedure, there may be some light bleeding. The bleeding never lasts long, is fairly light, and usually has no consequences other than the discomfort that may result.

Marie Fortier
The baby expert

Article updated: April 2025.

References:

• INSPQ. (2025). Balayage ou décollement des membranes (stripping). Repéré le 7 avril 2025 à https://www.inspq.qc.ca/mieux-vivre/accouchement/les-interventions-possibles-pendant-l-accouchement/balayage-ou-decollement-des-membranes-stripping

• Médecin du Québec. (2005). Le déclenchement artificiel du travail, pourquoi? Repéré le 7 avril 2025 à https://lemedecinduquebec.org/Media/86557/071-073DreGraves0705.pdf

• JOGC. Directive clinique de la SOGC. (2023). Déclenchement artificiel du travail. Repéré le 7 avril 2025 à https://www.jogc.com/article/S1701-2163(22)00735-6/abstract

• JOGC. Directive clinique de la SOGC. (2023). Maturation cervicale et déclenchement artificiel du travail. Repéré le 7 avril 2025 à https://www.jogc.com/article/S1701-2163(22)00731-9/abstract