What is a ‘ripe cervix’?

Right at the end of your pregnancy your body will start to prepare for labour. One of these preparations is the ripening of the cervix. This means that it softens in preparation to open. The artificial ripening of the cervix, which is achieved with no pain by inserting the appropriate drug vaginally, is the first step used to induce labour. The contractions will be unable to open the cervix if it is not soft and ready to open.

<< back

For more info see index >>