Bishop Score Calculator

The Bishop score is a structured method for describing cervical readiness for labor. An obstetric clinician assigns points to five findings from a vaginal examination: cervical dilation, cervical effacement, fetal station, cervical consistency, and cervical position. The points are added to a total ranging from zero to thirteen. A higher total generally indicates a cervix that has progressed further toward the changes normally associated with labor and a greater likelihood that induction will lead to vaginal birth without extensive cervical ripening. Dilation measures how open the cervix is in centimeters. Effacement describes how much the cervix has shortened and thinned compared with its uneffaced state. Fetal station records the position of the presenting part relative to the maternal ischial spines. A negative station is higher in the pelvis, zero is at the spines, and a positive station is lower. Consistency describes the cervix as firm, medium, or soft, while position records whether it points posteriorly, occupies a middle position, or has moved anteriorly. This calculator follows the conventional point table. Dilation and effacement can each contribute up to three points, station can contribute up to three, and consistency and position can each contribute up to two. Totals below six are commonly described as unfavorable, totals from six through eight as favorable, and totals of nine or more as very favorable. Threshold language varies across hospitals and studies, so the displayed interpretation should be read as a concise educational summary rather than a treatment instruction. The score supports, but does not replace, clinical judgment. Decisions about induction also depend on the reason for delivery, gestational age, membrane status, fetal presentation and wellbeing, prior uterine surgery, parity, maternal health, and available methods of cervical ripening. The same total can arise from different combinations of findings, and those combinations may matter in an individual case. Examination technique and inter-observer variation can also affect scoring. Only a trained clinician should perform the examination and determine how the result influences care. Patients should not attempt to assess their own cervix. If induction is being discussed, the maternity team can explain the examination, the current score, expected next steps, available medications or mechanical methods, and how maternal and fetal monitoring will be performed.