Stripping membranes in induction of labour

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of membranes stripping in induction of labour in low-risk patients at term pregnancy (38-40 gestational weeks) Methods: This prospective study included 140 antenatal women who were randomly assigned to one of two groups: a stripping of the membranes group (n=70) and a no stripping control group (n=70). The primary outcome measure was the proportion of women who entered spontaneous labor within 1 week of entry into the study. Secondary outcome measures included mode of delivery and maternal and fetal complications. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups regarding maternal age, parity or Bishop score. The proportion of subjects who entered spontaneous labour before 41 weeks of gestation was significantly different between the two groups (p<0, 0001). The mode of delivery was significantly different between the groups and there was no statistically significant difference in maternal or fetal complications. Conclusions: Stripping of membranes is a safe method to reduce the length of term in pregnancy and the incidence of prolonged gestation. There is no evidence that stripping the membranes increases the risk of maternal or neonatal adverse outcomes.