Learn all about cervical ripening, as well as other tests and checks you can expect to have the morning of your scheduled labor induction.
What Is Cervical Ripening?
Cervical ripening is when the cervix gets ready for labor. The cervix becomes thinner, softer, and starts to open. Cervical ripening can happen naturally, or be done with medication (misoprostol) or with a cervical balloon.
If you would like to get your cervix ready for labor at home, you can have an appointment at the hospital to receive either medication (misoprostol) or a cervical balloon to get you ready for your induction.
What are the benefits of having cervical ripening and going home?
Women who have cervical ripening and go home spend less time in the hospital before their baby is born. You can rest, eat, and drink at your home.
Is a cervical balloon safe?
Yes. In studies comparing people who stayed in the hospital with their cervical balloon with women who went home with it, there was no difference in the number of people who had complications.
What should I do on the day of my appointment for cervical ripening?
- Pack your hospital bag and have a good meal. Sometimes we may recommend that you stay at the hospital instead of going home. This can happen if your baby shows any signs of stress, if the fluid around your baby is too low, or if you are already in labor.
- Arrive at Boston Medical Center at 8 a.m. and go to Labor, Delivery, and Postpartum Care on the 4th floor of the Yawkey Ambulatory Care Center (YACC), located at 850 Harrison Avenue.
What Will Happen at My Appointment for Cervical Ripening?
- We will check your baby’s heartbeat.
- We will check to see if you are having contractions.
- We will do a vaginal exam to check how dilated (open) your cervix is.
- We will help you decide what will help the most to ripen your cervix.
What should I expect if I get medication (misoprostol)?
- We will monitor the baby’s heartbeat for an hour afterwards.
- You may have some cramping, or feel nothing different.
- You may notice some vaginal discharge with mucus or blood that may have a pink, brown, or red color (“bloody show”).
What should I expect if I get a cervical balloon?
- You may feel some discomfort and cramping while the balloon is being placed, and for a few minutes after.
- You may also notice some mucus with blood from the vagina that may have a pink, brown, or red color (“bloody show”).
- You may have contractions, or feel pressure in the vagina while the balloon is in place.
What should I do after I have had cervical ripening (either medication or a cervical balloon)?
- You can go home and rest, walk, and spend time with friends or family.
- We encourage you to eat well and drink a lot of water.
- You should plan to return to the hospital at 8 p.m. for your induction appointment.
- If you had a cervical balloon placed and the balloon falls out, you can throw it away, and still come for your 8 p.m. appointment.
You should come back to the hospital as soon as you can (before your scheduled appointment) if you experience any of these signs:
- You think your water broke
- You have vaginal bleeding like a period
- You have a fever (temperature higher than 100.4° F)
- You feel like your baby is not moving
- You start having contractions that are very strong, every 3 to 4 minutes for 2 hours
If you need to talk to a provider about your appointment, or if you have any questions or concerns, call Labor & Delivery at 617.414.4364.