Women's information needs, decision-making and experiences of membrane sweeping to promote spontaneous labour

•Membrane sweeping is recommended to reduce need for formal induction of labour.•A systematic review of qualitative evidence of women's experiences of membrane sweeping identified a gap in the literature.•One research study identified that informed consent may not always be obtained.•In the context of rising rates of induction and routine use of membrane sweeping to reduce the need for induction, further qualitative research is needed to inform midwifery practice.