[Survey on cervical ripening practices in France]

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Reproductive Medicine
• Clinical Practice Guidelines

Context:

• Labor induction is a frequent obstetric procedure in France.
• Cervical ripening is often necessary for unripened cervices.
• Existing guidelines for cervical ripening lack uniformity.

Purpose:

• To assess the application of international recommendations for cervical ripening in French teaching maternities.
• To identify variations in cervical ripening protocols across French obstetrical departments.

Summary:

• A national survey of 46 French obstetrical departments revealed significant heterogeneity in labor induction protocols.
• Cervical status assessment and ripening methods varied, with controlled-release dinoprostone pessaries being most common.
• Protocols often deviated from established guidelines, highlighting a need for standardization.

Impact:

• Identifies widespread variability in cervical ripening practices, potentially impacting patient outcomes.
• Highlights the need for evidence-based consensus to standardize labor induction protocols.
• Provides data for future research to establish best practices in cervical ripening.