Yes, membrane stripping is safe when it's done at full term (39 to 41 weeks). Researchers have found that women who have membrane stripping aren't more likely than other women to end up having a c-section or other complications.

How long after a membrane sweep will I go into labour?

If the membrane sweep is successful you will usually go into labour within 48 hours. Having 2 or even 3 membrane sweeps 48 hours apart is the most successful in encouraging labour to start.

Can you have the sweep at 39 weeks?

It's only offered at 38 weeks or later, and in order to do a sweep, the cervix must already be partially opened, explains Kim Campbell, a registered midwife in Vancouver. If your body isn't readying itself for labour, the cervix will be out of reach and firmly closed, so the sweep can't be done.