Bishop score calculator online: cervical ripeness before labor induction
Cervical ripeness scoring before labor induction across 5 parameters: dilation, effacement, consistency, position, and fetal station. Guides choice between oxytocin induction, prostaglandins, or cesarean delivery.
Updated · Methodology
About this calculator
The Bishop score is an obstetric tool for assessing cervical readiness for delivery, introduced by Edward Bishop in Obstetrics & Gynecology (1964). Used to choose between labor induction with oxytocin, cervical ripening with prostaglandins, amniotomy, or planned cesarean delivery. The score has 5 components. Cervical dilation: 0 cm (0 points), 1–2 cm (1), 3–4 cm (2), ≥5 cm (3). Effacement: 0–30% (0), 40–50% (1), 60–70% (2), ≥80% (3). Consistency: firm (0), medium (1), soft (2). Position: posterior (0), midposition (1), anterior (2). Fetal station relative to ischial spines: –3 (0), –2 (1), –1 or 0 (2), +1 or +2 (3). Maximum 13 points. Interpretation: ≥8 – favorable cervix, oxytocin induction has high success (>90%); 6–7 – borderline, induction possible but ripening preferred; ≤5 – unfavorable, requires ripening with prostaglandins (misoprostol, dinoprostone), Foley balloon, or laminaria. Validated in term singleton pregnancy with cephalic presentation and intact membranes; predictive value declines in nulliparas and with gestational complications (preeclampsia, diabetes, post-term).
Source
Bishop EH. Pelvic scoring for elective induction. Obstet Gynecol. 1964;24:266-268.
Formula version: bishop-1964-acog-2024-v1
Related
Calculators
- Pregnancy due date and gestational ageGestational age and estimated date of delivery from LMP, ultrasound, or IVF transfer date.
- Pregnancy weight gain calculator online: target ranges by BMI (IOM, 2009)Recommended pregnancy weight gain by pre-pregnancy BMI per the U.S. Institute of Medicine guideline (IOM, 2009). Supports singleton and twin pregnancies and provides target range and weekly increments.
- APGAR score for newbornsStandardized newborn assessment across 5 components scored 0–2. Recorded at 1 and 5 minutes after birth.