Uterine electrical stimulation system and method

A method for producing cervical ripening in a pregnant patient, the method comprising:

• generating an electrical stimulation current between about 0.01 milliamperes and about 6 milliamperes using a current unit;
• coupling an electrode probe to the current unit;
• inserting the electrode probe transvaginally;
• contacting at least one electrode of the electrode probe against the patient's cervix;
• prior to vaginal delivery by the pregnant patient, applying the electrical stimulation current from the current unit through the electrode probe and the at least one electrode to the patient's cervix for a duration between about 1 minute to about 6 hours;
• and
• causing a release of prostaglandins in response to the electrical stimulation current to produce ripening of the patient's cervix.