Dilation and Measurement Apparatus and Methods for Promoting and Assessing Cervical Ripening During Induction of Labor

Labor is a long and exhausting process, and the current practice for the assessment of cervical dilation lacks a personalized medicine approach. At Prentice Women’s Hospital patients that are admitted for a cervical ripening balloon (CRIB) induction follow an established protocol that entails cervical exam 6 hours after a CRIB placement (unless spontaneous expulsion or rupture of membranes occurs). This project aims to improve healthcare delivery and reduce unnecessary risks and costs through the development of an objective method for the assessment and promotion of cervical dilation during cervical ripening prior to induction of labor of patients at Prentice Women’s Hospital.