Global Cervical Ripening Drugs Market: By Drug Type (Prostaglandins, Oxytocin, Progesterone Receptor Antagonists, Relaxin, Estrogen, Others), By Route of Administration (Oral, Intravenous, Vaginal), By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, Others), and Geography

 

Cervical ripening is defined as the softening of cervix prior to onset of labor contractions and it is necessary for the cervical dilation and passage of fetus. Cervix softens, thins, dilates, and relaxes in response to the uterine contractions and allows the cervix to easily pass over the fetal part during labor. Cervical ripening drugs are used before the induction of labor for the dilatation of cervix. Cervical ripening drugs market is associated with the reduced collagen fiber strength, decrease in collagen fiber alignment, and diminished the tensile strength of extracellular cervical matrix. The common techniques used for the cervical ripening are mechanical interventions such as insertion of cervical catheters and dilators and application of cervical ripening agents such as prostaglandins. Growing usage of cervical ripening drugs before the induction of labor, rise in R&D activities for the innovation of newer drugs, increase in awareness about cervical ripening drugs in developed and developing countries, low cost of drugs, and government initiations for improving the baby deliveries are anticipated to fuel the cervical ripening drugs market over the forecast period. However, stringent regulatory policies for product approval, adverse effects associated with the cervical ripening drugs, and alternative procedures for the childbirth are expected to hinder the growth of surgical ripening drugs market over the forecast period.