What Happens During Cervical Ripening?

Cervical ripening results from a series of complex biochemical processes that ends with rearrangement and realignment of the collagen molecules. The cervix thins, softens, relaxes and dilates in response to uterine contractions, allowing the cervix to easily pass over the presenting fetal part during labor.

Is ripening the cervix painful?

It is not uncommon for the cervical ripening to take up to 24-36 hours!! It is also not uncommon to use different techniques to ripen the cervix. You may feel contractions during this process. If the contractions become painful, you will be able to request medication to relieve your discomfort.

What happens when they ripen your cervix?

What is cervical ripening? During pregnancy, the cervix is closed to keep the baby inside the uterus. Once you labor begins, your cervix will open, or dilate wide enough to let the baby come through. When the cervix changes from being closed and firm to soft and thin, this is called cervical ripening.