An
inflatable system, of between one and three balloons, for
cervical dilation and labor induction is provided. The
inflatable system may have a uterine
balloon, for positioning at a proximal portion of the
uterus, with respect to an operator, adjacent to the cervical internal os, the uterine
balloon being shaped so as to maximize the pressure against the
decidua and the internal
cervical os and so as to minimize the pressure on the
fetal head. Additionally or alternatively, the
inflatable system may have a vaginal
balloon, for positioning in the
vagina, for applying pressure on the external
cervical os. Additionally or alternatively, the inflatable system may have a cervical balloon, for positioning in the
cervical canal, the cervical balloon being shaped so as to maximize the contact area with the
cervix. The balloons are operative to stimulate the
secretion of
hormone, by exerting pressure on the proximal decidual surfaces of the
uterus and on the
cervix, so as to soften and ripen the
cervix, cause the cervix to dilate, and induce labor. The balloons, which may have rough external surfaces, in order to keep them anchored in place, may be inflated by the operator, directly after their
insertion, or manually and gradually, by the woman herself. Various sensors and other instruments may be used with the inflatable system, to monitor
cervical dilation, fetal well-being, and the woman's conditions.