It is not uncommon for the cervical ripening to take up to 24-36 hours!! It is also not uncommon to use different techniques to ripen the cervix. You may feel contractions during this process. If the contractions become painful, you will be able to request medication to relieve your discomfort.

Does cervical ripening balloon hurt?

Some women describe it as a sharp pain, and others say it's very uncomfortable. But the procedure only takes a couple of minutes, and the pain usually goes away after the catheter is in place. You can ask your doctor for pain medication to make insertion less unpleasant.

Does it hurt when your cervix softens?

As labor begins, your cervix softens, shortens and thins (effacement). You might feel uncomfortable, but irregular, not very painful contractions or nothing at all.