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Calculate the Bishop score (0–13) from cervical dilation, effacement, fetal station, consistency, and position before labor induction. See whether the cervix is favorable, if cervical ripening is typically considered, and estimated induction success bands—for education alongside gestational age and institutional protocols.
Last updated: June 4, 2026
0-3 cm: 0pt | 4-5 cm: 1pt | 6 cm: 2pts | >6 cm: 3pts
0-30%: 0pt | 40-50%: 1pt | 60-70%: 2pts | >80%: 3pts
-3: 0pt | -2: 1pt | -1 to 0: 2pts | +1 to +2: 3pts
Bishop Score
5 / 13
Induction Likelihood: Moderate (~40–60%)
Clinical Interpretation:
Intermediate cervix — may benefit from ripening
Score Breakdown:
Clinical Recommendations:
Bishop Score Interpretation:
3 cm · 50% · −1 · medium · mid
5/13
Intermediate (4–6 band)
4 cm · 70% · 0 · soft · anterior
9/13
Favorable
4 cm · 70% · 0 · soft · mid
8/13
Bishop 8 — favorable
1 cm · 20% · −3 · firm · posterior
0/13
Unfavorable — ripening usual
| 0 | ≤ 3 cm |
| 1 | 4–5 cm |
| 2 | 6 cm |
| 3 | > 6 cm |
| 0 | 0–30% |
| 1 | 40–50% |
| 2 | 60–70% |
| 3 | Other values (incl. ≥ 80%) |
| 0 | −3 or lower |
| 1 | −2 |
| 2 | −1 to 0 |
| 3 | ≥ +1 |
| 0 | Firm |
| 1 | Medium |
| 2 | Soft |
| 0 | Posterior |
| 1 | Mid |
| 2 | Anterior |
Total Bishop score = sum of all five parameters (maximum 13)
| Score | Category | Ripening | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 | Unfavorable | Strongly consider cervical ripening | Higher cesarean rate if induced without change |
| 4–6 | Intermediate | Ripening vs direct induction — guideline-dependent | Common teaching: score < 6 favors ripening |
| 7–9 | Favorable | Often skip ripening; start oxytocin | Bishop ≥ 8 frequently cited as favorable |
| 10–13 | Highly favorable | Usually not needed | May already be in labor |
| Method | Typical use | Teaching cautions |
|---|---|---|
| Misoprostol (PGE1) | Pharmacologic ripening; dosing per hospital protocol | Uterine tachysystole; contraindications include prior classical cesarean |
| Dinoprostone (PGE2) | Cervical gel or insert | Similar monitoring needs; remove insert if hyperstimulation |
| Mechanical (Foley balloon) | Transcervical balloon for mechanical dilation | Infection risk low but protocolized placement |
| Oxytocin alone | When Bishop favorable (often ≥ 6–8) | Less effective on unripe cervix; longer induction times |
Dilation 1 + effacement 2 + station 2 + consistency 2 + position 2 = 9
Favorable cervix — good candidate for induction. High (~70–85%).
All parameters 0 → 0. Cervical ripening usually recommended before oxytocin.
Not medical advice. Induction decisions require licensed obstetric care, fetal monitoring, and facility protocols. Emergency delivery may be needed regardless of Bishop score.
For OB residents, midwives, and nursing students
Suggested hashtags: #BishopScore #LaborInduction #Obstetrics #MedicalCalculator