Near the end of the third trimester, a woman's cervix will soften in order to begin the process of effacing (thinning and stretching) and dilating (opening up). An open cervix allows the baby to pass ...

Cervical ripening is a crucial step in preparing for hysteroscopic procedures, which are minimally invasive surgeries used to diagnose and treat conditions within the uterus. Misoprostol, a medication ...

Near the end of pregnancy, the cervix softens to help prepare for labor. If your cervix isn't softening naturally, there are safe ways to encourage it at home. Always consult with your healthcare ...

Women who undergo balloon cervical ripening at home spend less time in the labor and delivery unit and have fewer cesarean deliveries than those who have the induction procedure in a hospital, ...

Induction of labor is a routinely applied obstetric intervention designed to stimulate uterine contractions when delaying delivery poses a risk to maternal or neonatal health. A range of cervical ...

H.L. is a 25-year-old woman, gravida 2 para 1-0-0-0 admitted to the birth unit at 38 and 6/7 weeks' gestation for induction of labor because of an obstetric history of a previous intrauterine fetal ...

In preparation for the birth of your baby, your cervix effaces (thins and stretches) and dilates (opens) so your baby can fit through the birth canal. This cervical ripening can begin days or even ...

Laminaria is a type of seaweed kelp. It may help to help soften and dilate the cervix, either prior to a surgical abortion or labor. Learn more about the possible benefits and side effects. Laminaria ...

Sometimes your baby needs to arrive before your body gets the memo. When that happens, your provider may recommend an induction – using medicine or other techniques to help labor get started.

A recent study published in Scientific Reports describes an impaired progesterone (P4) response in cervical fibroblasts from patients with cervical insufficiency (CI). Study: Characteristic impairment ...