Cervical ripening is a process that causes the cervix to soften, open, and thin before childbirth. It helps prepare the cervix for a vaginal birth.
It usually happens on its own before labor starts. But sometimes the cervix needs help to ripen, such as before inducing labor.
This can be done using a balloon catheter. It's a rubber tube with an inflatable balloon on one end. The doctor can inflate the balloon to help ripen the cervix. Or it can be done with medicine.
Your water may break. You may go into labor. Your doctor will give you instructions for what to do if this happens.
Cervical ripening is a process that causes the cervix to soften, open, and thin before childbirth. It helps prepare the cervix for a vaginal birth. It usually happens on its own before labor starts. Medicines or a device called a balloon catheter may be used to ripen the cervix.
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