Membrane stripping to prevent post-term pregnancy in Enugu, Nigeria: a randomized controlled trial

This study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness and safety of membrane stripping at 40-41 weeks of gestation as a means of preventing post-term pregnancy and the need for formal induction of labor in Enugu, Nigeria.

A randomized controlled trial of 134 post-date pregnant women at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria, from February to November 2012. The intervention group received membrane stripping while the control group did not receive membrane stripping.

The incidence of post-term pregnancy in the membrane stripping group was 16.1% (10/62) versus 39.3% (24/61) in the control group (RR 0.41; 95% CI 0.22-0.78; P = 0.004; NNT = 4). Membrane stripping reduced the duration of pregnancy by 3 days (P < 0.001). The procedure also significantly reduced the need for 'formal' labor induction [7/62 (11.3%) vs. 23/61 (37.7%); RR 0.30; 95 CI 0.14-0.65; P = 0.002]. However, maternal and neonatal complications were similar between the two groups.

Membrane stripping reduces the incidence of post-term pregnancy and need for formal induction of labor in post-date pregnant women, without increased maternal or neonatal complications.