cervical ripening


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cervical ripening

The stromal response of the cervix in phase 1 of parturition, which precedes the onset of labour, in which the cervix becomes softer and more dilatable.
Segen's Medical Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.

cervical ripening

Obstetrics The stromal response of the cervix in phase 1 of parturition, which precedes the onset of labor, in which the cervix becomes softer and more dilatable. See Cervical effacement.
McGraw-Hill Concise Dictionary of Modern Medicine. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

cervical ripening

The biochemical changes in the cervix that take place gradually over the last few weeks of gestation in preparation for childbirth. The cervix softens, and its potential for stretching increases. Normally this occurs naturally, but in postterm pregnancies it may be necessary to use mechanical dilators or drugs. Placement of Laminaria digitata or prostaglandin E analogs (e.g., misoprostol) in the vagina or cervical canal promotes cervical ripening and onset of labor but does not reduce the rate of cesarean deliveries.

Patient care

Fetal status is assessed by monitoring the heart rate for 30 min before gel insertion and for approx. 1 hr after the procedure. The woman is assessed for uterine contractions and signs of hyperstimulation, nausea, or vomiting. If hyperstimulation occurs, the gel is removed, and the primary health care provider is notified.

Medical Dictionary, © 2009 Farlex and Partners
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References in periodicals archive ?
Other mechanical methods for pre-induction cervical ripening. Semin Perinatol.
CERVICAL RIPENING BALLOON AS A METHOD OF PREINDUCTION--ONE CENTER STUDY
For the misoprostol group, using the hospital protocol, a 50 [micro]g tablet was inserted into the posterior fornix of the vagina, and it was repeated 6 hourly until an adequate contraction pattern (3-5 contractions in ten minutes, each lasting between 40 and 60 seconds), sufficient cervical ripening (Bishop score greater than 7 or cervical dilatation of at least 4 cm), or spontaneous rupture of membranes was achieved, or a maximum of four doses had been given.
Postpartum Vaginal Blood Loss following Two Different Methods of Cervical Ripening
This study is the first double-blinded, prospective randomized controlled clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of intravaginal misoprostol in cervical ripening and labor induction in term pregnancy in China.
Intravaginal Misoprostol for Cervical Ripening and Labor Induction in Nulliparous Women: A Double-blinded, Prospective Randomized Controlled Study
[Sublingual Misoprostol for cervical ripening before diagnostic hysteroscopy: a randomized and prospective study about 108 cases].
Cervical priming by misoprostol before diagnostic dilatation and curettage: a randomized clinical trial
Comparison of the safety and efficacy of intravaginal misoprostol (prostaglandin E1) with those of dinoprostone (prostaglandin E2) for cervical ripening and induction of labor in a community hospital.
Efficacy of misoprostol over dinoprostone gel and Foley's catheter as a cervical ripening agent
Comparison of oral and vaginal misoprostol for cervical ripening before evacuation of first trimester missed miscarriage.
The role and efficacy of misoprostol in pregnancy termination--a review article
The superiority of Foleys catheter balloon for cervical ripening in second trimester of pregnancy is documented in different studies.
Termination of second trimester pregnancy: extra amniotic foley's catheter balloon with traction versus combined use of foley's catheter balloon and extra amniotic instillation of PGF2 alpha
All patients in both groups who did not go into spontaneous labour after 48 hours were categorised as 'failed labour induction' and together with the women with post-term pregnancies of [greater than or equal to]40 weeks and 10 days managed according to our departmental protocol of cervical ripening and labour induction (transcervical Foley catheter or intravaginal misoprostol) to ensure delivery before 42 weeks' gestation.
A comparison of orally administered misoprostol and membrane sweeping for labour induction in uncomplicated singleton post-term pregnancies
Breast stimulation for cervical ripening and induction of labour.
Childbirth in pleasure and ecstasy: a fountain of hormones and chemicals
Cervical ripening that instigates preterm labor is distinct from what happens at the onset of normal term labor, researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, have found.
Cervical ripening more than accelerates
Cervical ripening that promotes preterm labor is distinct from what happens at the onset of normal-term labor, researchers have found.
Cervical ripening and preterm labor

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