Cervical ripening test

Cervical maturity examination is one of the internal examinations during pregnancy. Whether you choose natural birth or cesarean section, internal examination is required. The purpose is to observe whether it is suitable for natural birth, as well as to stimulate the cervix to mature in time and avoid prolonged pregnancy. There are two methods for checking cervical maturity: transabdominal B-ultrasound examination and perineal examination. Currently, the traditional perineal examination is commonly used, which helps doctors to judge whether the cervix is ​​perfect more immediately.

During the examination, the doctor will disinfect his hands and the pregnant mother's private parts, and wear sterile gloves to check the hardness, length, position, dilation of the cervix and the position of the presenting part to determine whether it is time for delivery. The examination of cervical maturity depends on the doctor's examination expertise and the sensitivity of the pregnant mother. Sometimes it will cause mild bleeding, and the examination will be accompanied by a small amount of pain. Pregnant mothers should pay attention to relaxing themselves and avoid excessive anxiety when checking the maturity of the cervix.

Cervical ripening test time

The cervical maturity test during pregnancy is carried out in the late pregnancy. Before 36 weeks of pregnancy, the cervical measurement value of pregnant women is relatively stable, but the closer to the delivery date, the closer the cervix is ​​to perfection. It is usually checked once at 37 weeks of pregnancy to predict the time before delivery. During the prenatal checkup in the late pregnancy, the doctor will request this test to determine whether the baby is about to be born, or to determine the specific time for the abortion. For pregnant women who are about to give birth, the doctor will also perform a complete cervical examination.

Cervical ripening test results

1. The process of cervical perfection can be as short as 12 hours or as long as 6-8 weeks. Checking the maturity of the cervix during pregnancy can determine the time before delivery and make early predictions so that pregnant women close to the early stages of delivery can be hospitalized for delivery at the best time, thus avoiding accidents due to sudden onset. The closer the time to delivery, the easier it will be to give birth naturally after the cervix is ​​completely perfected.

2. Before full term, an overly mature cervix can cause miscarriage or premature birth. If the cervix is ​​still immature at full term, it can cause prolonged pregnancy and prolonged delivery. Checking the maturity of the cervix can make early predictions and it is possible to take measures to promote cervical perfection that are similar to natural cervical perfection.

3. For pregnant women who plan to have a caesarean section, check the cervix at 37 weeks of pregnancy and accurately measure the length of the cervix to determine the timing of surgery, which can be performed at 37-38 weeks or 39-41 weeks.

4. For pregnant women diagnosed with post-term pregnancy but with no problems with the fetus or obvious cephalopelvic disproportion, induced abortion can be considered. Pregnant women who are preparing to undergo induced abortion must understand that the maturity of the cervix is ​​the key factor affecting the success rate of induced abortion, and induced abortion with an immature cervix is ​​not likely to succeed. Therefore, checking the maturity of the cervix can predict the interval from induced labor to delivery of the pregnant woman, and predict the chance of natural delivery within 24 hours and the chance of cesarean section.