Systems and methods for cervical ripening

A method for inducing dilation of a cervix comprising:

• inserting a balloon of a balloon catheter above the cervix of a pregnant woman, a catheter
• tube extending through a vaginal canal, the balloon being at a first end of the balloon catheter, a fastener being connected to the catheter tube;
• inflating the balloon with a fluid;
• temporarily affixing a pad to a leg of the pregnant woman;
• and
• after affixing the pad to the leg of the pregnant woman, selectively coupling the fastener to the pad in a first position to apply a first traction force on the inflated balloon to apply dilatative pressure against the cervix;
• uncoupling the fastener from the pad in the first position, the pad remaining temporarily affixed to the leg of the pregnant woman;
• and
• coupling the fastener to the pad in a second position to apply a second traction force on the inflated balloon, wherein the second traction force is greater than the first traction force.