Membrane sweeping may reduce need for labor induction

NCT ID NCT03591159

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether membrane sweeping—a gentle finger sweep around the cervix—can help women at full term go into labor sooner and avoid medical induction. 256 pregnant women aged 18-35 with no complications will be followed. The goal is to see if this simple procedure shortens delivery time and reduces the need for induction after 40 weeks and 6 days.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

membrane sweeping (a procedure where a doctor sweeps a finger around the cervix to help start labor naturally)

What this could lead to

If it works, this simple procedure could help more women go into labor on their own, reducing the need for medical induction.

What could go wrong

This is a small, single-center study, and results may not apply to all pregnancies. Membrane sweeping can cause discomfort or spotting, and it may not always work.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Ankara University School of Medicine Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

    Ankara, 06590, Turkey (Türkiye)