A cervical dilator including a stem comprising a partly or fully dehydrated hydrogel comprising a water-insoluble synthetic hydrophilic polymer capable of radial expansion due to absorption of water from a bodily fluid. The cervical dilator softens and ripens the cervical tissue and expands the cervical canal by a combined action of radial hydrogel stem expansion and osmotic withdrawal of water from the tissue. The osmotic withdrawal is caused by at least one osmotically active compound, such as a water-soluble salt, a polyelectrolyte, or a mixture thereof, wherein the at least one osmotically active compound is dispersed in the hydrogel. The cervical dilator may also include a non-toxic plasticizer of the hydrogel, such as water.
