Enter five cervical exam findings — position, consistency, effacement, dilation, and fetal station — into the Bishop Score Calculator to assess cervical readiness for labor induction. Each parameter is scored and summed to produce your total Bishop score, along with an interpretation of whether induction is likely to succeed.
Bishop Score
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Interpretation
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Induction Likelihood
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The Bishop score is a pre-labor cervical assessment system used to evaluate how ready a woman's cervix is for labor induction. Developed by Dr. Edward Bishop in 1964, it assigns points to five cervical and fetal characteristics: position, consistency, effacement, dilation, and fetal station. The total score helps clinicians decide whether to induce labor and predict the likelihood of a successful vaginal delivery.
A Bishop score of 8 or higher indicates a favorable cervix that is likely to respond well to induction — success rates are similar to spontaneous labor. A score between 6 and 7 is considered borderline. A score of 5 or below suggests an unfavorable cervix, and cervical ripening agents may be used before induction is attempted.
Labor induction involves using medications or procedures to artificially stimulate uterine contractions before labor begins naturally. It may be recommended for medical reasons such as post-term pregnancy, preeclampsia, or concerns about fetal wellbeing. The Bishop score helps determine whether the cervix is ready to support successful induction.
Each of the five parameters contributes points: cervical dilation and effacement carry the most weight (0–3 points each), while position, consistency, and fetal station each contribute 0–2 points. A softer, more anterior, more effaced, more dilated cervix with a lower fetal station yields a higher score, indicating greater readiness for labor.
Fetal station describes how far the baby's presenting part (usually the head) has descended into the pelvis, measured in centimeters relative to the mother's ischial spines. Station 0 means the head is level with the spines; negative values mean it's higher, positive values mean it's lower and further engaged. A lower (more positive) station contributes more points to the Bishop score.
No. While the Bishop score is a widely used and validated tool, it is one of several factors a clinician considers. Gestational age, maternal and fetal health conditions, obstetric history, and patient preferences all play a role in the decision to induce. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about labor induction.
A low Bishop score (below 6) is associated with a higher risk of failed induction, which may increase the likelihood of a cesarean section. However, it is not a definitive predictor. Many other clinical factors influence the mode of delivery, and a low score does not guarantee a cesarean birth.
The Bishop score was developed by American obstetrician Dr. Edward Bishop and published in 1964. It was originally designed to assess whether elective induction of labor in multiparous women (those who had previously given birth) was appropriate. It has since become a standard cervical assessment tool used worldwide for all pregnant women being considered for induction.