Membrane Stripping Question

Rosemary

I had a routine prenatal checkup the other day and my dr. told me that she typically does membrane stripping around week 38/39. I’m so confused that this is a “typical” procedure before you even go past your due date. Has anyone ever heard of dr.’s doing this before 40 weeks?? I’m going to tell her I don’t want it unless I go past my due date but I’m just curious.