I. Introduction
DURING pregnancy, the cervix goes through extensive remodeling, resulting in softening, shortening, and dilation (a process referred to as ripening) to allow for delivery [1]–[3]. Premature changes may be associated with preterm birth. Of particular interest is cervical soft-ening, which begins soon after conception and progresses throughout pregnancy [1], [4]. Currently, the clinical method for assessing the cervix involves a subjective evaluation of cervical stiffness into the categories soft, medium, and firm, based on digital examination.