Ripening of the cervix

Ripening of the Cervix - The changes of the cervix right before labor begins.
Risk Factor - A term for something that increases the chance of developing a condition or making it worse.

Ripening of the cervix - The softened, effaced and dilated condition of the cervix just prior to labor
ROM - Range of motion ...

Effacement ~ aka ripening of the cervix ~ Unless you have an exam and your care provider tells you your cervix is effacing, you won't realize it. Your cervix is usually an inch or so thick during pregnancy, and it will begin to thin (efface) out.

The Nesting Urge ~ aka you want to clean everything in sight
Effacement ~ aka ripening of the cervix
Dilatation ~ aka opening of the cervix
Diarrhea ~ aka you know this one
Contractions ~ aka OUCH those labor pains! ...

See also: Contraction, Membranes, Contractions, Childbirth, Pregnancy