Cervical Ripening During Childbirth: Methods, Risks & Benefits

1
Cervical Ripening During Childbirth
Methods, Risks Benefits
2
The closer youre to your due date, we know that
you cant but wait to hold your baby in your
arms. Youve also started worrying about the
signs of labour. The signs of contraction, cervix
effacement and cervix dilation during your
pregnancy and at the time of childbirth are some
of the things that you might be feeling a little
jittery about.
Cervix dilation is essential at the time of
childbirth. However, did you know that cervix
effacement or cervix ripening is an equally
important process, before you go into labour?
Read this insightful article to help yourself
with some more information on the cervix ripening
process and the risks and benefits associated
with it.
3
What Is Cervical Ripening?
The cervix is the lowest part of the uterus. It
is a cylinder-shaped tissue and is primarily
composed of fibromuscular tissue, connecting the
vagina and the uterus. (If your cervix is dilated
with regular and painful cervical cramping during
your pregnancy, youre in active labour and
getting closer to delivering your baby). The
cervix is expected to hold your baby during your
pregnancy, but when you are on labour, the normal
process of softening and opening of the cervix is
called cervical ripening. Although this can
happen on its own, but the ripening can also take
place with the help of medication or special
devices. Studies have claimed that, approximately
83 to 85 women with an indication of labour
induction would need cervical ripening.
4
What Is The Cervical Length Chart During
Pregnancy and Labour?
Although the longitudinal chart of cervical
length during pregnancy differs from one
pregnancy to another, you might have to undergo a
transvaginal ultrasound to evaluate the uterine
cervical length during your pregnancy journey.
During pregnancy, your cervix is 3.5 to 4
centimetres long. As your baby gets ready for
labour, the cervix gradually thins out. Once your
cervix is 100 percent effaced and dilated, youre
ready to start pushing your baby out into the
world. According to the sonographies, with the
progression of your pregnancy, the pregnant
cervix naturally and rapidly shortens. Moreover,
if you deliver prematurely and have a history of
preterm delivery, you might experience a faster
shortening. Less than 3cm of the cervix length is
considered normal, as the cervix starts softening
or ripening by the end of your pregnancy.
5
How Does the Doctor Know Whether You Need
Cervical Ripening?
Most of you might request your healthcare
provider to take you through this process. Your
healthcare provider might determine the need of
the process by using a scale called the Bishop
score. (In 1964, Edward Bishop set forth this
criteria for elective induction of labour, which
is widely known as the Bishop score). In fact,
this score includes cervical dilation, length,
consistency and position in relation to the
uterus. This score also tells the status of the
cervix. A Bishop score of 8 or greater is
considered favourable for induction.
6
Who Needs Cervical Ripening?

• Labour induction means initiation of uterine
  contraction and ripening for the purpose of
  delivering the baby. However, your labour might
  have to be induced or devices might have to be
  necessary used for cervical ripening when
• You have prolonged pregnancy 
• you might experience health conditions like
  preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes. Due to
  which the foetus is also at risk.
• Intrauterine foetal death
• Additionally, doctors take you through such
  medically-indicated deliveries mostly on your
  request.

7
How To Soften The Cervix For Labour?
Application Of Prostaglandin Medications To The
Cervix Prostaglandins are naturally
occurring hormone-like substances that stimulate
certain changes in the cervix that cause it to
ripen. Gradual Dilation Of The Cervix In this
method mechanical dilators are used. They absorb
the fluid from the tissues helping the cervix to
ripen.  Catheter Dilation Of The Cervix Foley
Catheter is used during this process. This is a
long and narrow instrument which has a balloon
tip. Your doctor guides the Foley catheter
through the vagina and into the cervical canal,
thus encouraging the cervix to open. 
8
How To Soften The Cervix For Labour?
Stripping the Membranes This method can help
start your labour, even when the cervix is only
partially dilated. In fact, while carrying out
this procedure, your doctor will put the gloved
fingers inside the cervix and separate the
amniotic sac from the uterine wall. Artificial
Membrane Rupture For Cervical Ripening This
process has been used for many years, thus
allowing the amniotic sac to release. Doctors
routinely carry out this procedure for cervical
ripening. Pitocin or Oxytocin Insertion When
labour is delayed, your doctor can administer
oxytocin to encourage your uterus to start
contracting regularly.
9
There are not just medically induced cervical
ripening procedures, natural cervical opening
methods are also available to make your
childbirth easy. Acupuncture, breast stimulation,
use of castor oil, Enemas (injection of water or
liquid into the rectum to clear the colon),
herbal supplements, hot baths and sexual
intercourse are some of the natural ways of
cervical ripening.  With frequent contraction,
hyperstimulation of the uterus, and uterine
rupture the earlier the cervix is thinned out the
faster the dilation process takes place. However,
you can reduce the chances of cervical ripening
medically by proper antenatal check-ups, healthy
diet, activities and adequate rest in your
pregnancy regime.
Visit the blog page of Cordlife India to
understand more on pregnancy, postpartum,
childbirth, and cord blood banking.
10
Thanks!
For any questions? Contact at info_at_cordlifeindia.c
om Toll Free Number 1800 121 6200 Website
www.cordlifeindia.com
Source https//www.cordlifeindia.com/blog/cervica
l-ripening-during-childbirth/