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Term

Cervical Ripening

What Is

Cervical Ripening?

Cervical ripening is the hormonal softening of the cervix that usually occurs prior to the onset of labor contractions. Earlier in pregnancy and in non-pregnant women, the cervix is tight, separating the uterus from the vagina.

The cervix needs to soften (ripen), thin (efface), and open (dilate) in order for the fetus to pass through it during childbirth. If cervical ripening does not occur naturally once a pregnancy has reached term, it may need to be induced by a health care provider.

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