Usually, the opening of the cervix is followed by a softening of the opening, which signals the onset of labor. Softening of the cervical os cannot usually be determined by other symptoms, but can be recognized by contractions. Before labor, the length of the cervical canal is about 2-3 cm. After labor, regular contractions can pull the inner cervical opening and the fetal previa is articulated so that the anterior amniotic fluid cannot flow back during contractions and the anterior amniotic sac is organised to dilate the inner cervical opening, thus causing the cervical canal to gradually soften into a funnel-like shape and the cervical canal begins to gradually shorten until it disappears. Therefore, when there are constant contractions leading to softening and maturation of the cervical os, it is judged to be a softening of the cervical os. I. Time required for cervical os softening The time required for cervical os softening usually varies from 2 to 4 days, depending mainly on the month of menopause, whether the patient has experienced vaginal birth or not, and the condition of the patient’s cervix at the time of gynecological examination. In the case of a young patient with a large induction of labor and no previous vaginal birth, the cervical opening is hard at the time of the gynecological examination and takes about 4 days to soften. If the patient is older, has had a normal delivery and has a soft cervix, it usually takes 2 days for the cervical opening to soften. Methods to promote the softening of the cervical opening 1. Pay attention to diet, eat more easily digestible, high-protein food; 2. At 41 weeks of pregnancy, with normal ultrasound and fetal heart monitoring, use misoprostol tablets and other drugs to soften the cervical opening appropriately, or go on small water bladder or dilating stick to promote the softening of the cervix; 3. Before delivery, you can walk appropriately to increase the activity to promote its softening.