A method for affecting the timing of cervical ripening and the resultant onset of parturition in a pregnant female mammal, the method comprises administering to a pregnant female one or more than one dose of an agent that chemically mimics innervation of the cervix by the vagus nerve, thereby advancing the onset of parturition, or administering to a pregnant female one or more than one dose of an agent that chemically blocks innervation of the cervix by the vagus nerve, thereby delaying the onset of parturition.
