[Stripping membranes at term. Review of randomized trials]

Stripping the membranes at term is a method for inducing labor. This method is currently performed but not well analyzed. Most trials were published after 1990 and the half of them since 1996. Seven of the nine randomized trials recently published showed the efficacity of stripping of the membranes performed between 38 and 42 weeks. It seems to become more efficient after 40 weeks. In these trials, increased of maternal (cesarean section rate, chorioamniotitis, premature rupture of membranes) or neonatal morbidity cannot be found. However, in these trials included populations are not enough large to conclude. Given the absence of large studies, it seems unjustified to repeat this intervention.