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.
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).
Bishop EH. Pelvic scoring for elective induction. Obstet Gynecol. 1964;24:266-268.
Formula version: bishop-1964-acog-2024-v1
Calculators