[Outpatient cervical ripening : which methods and for which patients ?]

Abstract

Outpatient cervical ripening is an alternative to hospitalization in patients without maternal comorbidity, foetal pathology or obstetric complications requiring continuous monitoring, after a reassuring maternal and foetal assessment. Available evidence suggests efficacy and safety comparable to inpatient management, particularly with mechanical methods, while reducing the time spent in the delivery unit. The use of pharmacological methods such as prostaglandins is supported by an overall reassuring body of evidence, even though a rare adverse event may still occur. Beyond the choice of method, the safety of this approach relies on careful patient selection, organized follow-up, and well-defined criteria for returning to the maternity unit.