title: Precocious cervical ripening and preterm labor.
abstract: A group of 8303 women was studied to determine the timing of cervical ripening. It was confirmed that these signs of cervical change can be observed several weeks before preterm births. The precocious signs of external ripening can be recognized during a vaginal examination and may be useful in predicting preterm labor.
mesh_terms: D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004108:Dilatation, Pathologic / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D007746:Labor Presentation; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010298:Parity; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012306:Risk; D014590:Uterine Contraction