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Ask A Childbirth Educator
Questions and Answer

Q. I am 37 weeks pregnant and I was interested in getting some more information about stripping of the membranes. I have had trouble finding stuff on it and I was wondering if you can tell me more about it and how it works.

A. Stripping of the membranes is done by the practitioner during a vaginal exam. While checking the cervix, they slide their finger between the cervix and the amniotic sac, and sweep their finger around, partially separating the sac from the uterus as far as they can reach. This will sometimes irritate the uterus enough to begin labor and is thought to release prostaglandins that play a role in labor. It is often done without the woman's consent, though since it really is an attempt to induce labor the woman should be given the choice to refuse. Stripping the membranes can be painful for a woman and she often will have some vaginal bleeding afterward. Labor may or may not begin, although it seems to be more effective if done sometime past the due date with a very soft, ripe cervix. A risk of the procedure is that the caregiver will break the bag of waters rather than just separate it, and that labor will not begin, starting a time clock that could lead to induction with Pitocin. Another risk is infection, though most caregivers use sterile gloves if they intend to strip membranes and this reduces the risk of infection.

Karen Klimsak-Ungar, CCE has been a certified childbirth educator for Birth Works® since 1996. She is currently Managing Editor for the Birth Works newsletter, sits on the Birth Works Board of Directors, and serves on their National Trainee Review Committee. A happily married mother of two, she also continues to teach Birth Works classes as well as private classes.

Karen will answer your questions on fertility, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and babies. Her advice does not take the place of your practitioner. Personal answers will not always be possible.