Is there a place for inhibition of cervical ripening in the management of preterm labour?

Although premature cervical ripening is one of the two major pathophysiological processes occurring in preterm labour, research has mostly focused on the development of tocolytic agents. Our goal in this study was to review the recent progress made in the understanding of cervical ripening physiology and to explore the molecules that could be targeted for the development of new pharmacological compounds capable of inhibiting this process and to further improve the management of preterm labour.