 2. Background The rate of induction of labor in the United States is approximately 20 of all births. Induction of labor can result in prolonged labor and increases the rate of cesarean delivery, both of which are associated with increased maternal and neonatal morbidity. Ripening of an unfavorable cervix has become an integral part of the labor induction process. The best method of cervical ripening remains controversial; no one method has proved to be superior. Women requiring labor induction often present with unfavorable cervices which can lead to a prolonged induction. Cervical ripening is often done to increase the likelihood of successful labor induction. 