Enter the five findings from a cervical exam to get a Bishop score. The result shows how ready the cervix is for labour and whether induction is likely to work.
What this tool calculates
- Adds points for five Bishop score components and returns a total from 0 to 13.
- Provides a simple interpretation band for induction planning context.
Scoring used in this calculator
- Dilation: 0 points closed, 1 point 1 to 2 cm, 2 points 3 to 4 cm, 3 points >= 5 cm.
- Effacement: 0 points 0 to 30 percent, 1 point 40 to 50 percent, 2 points 60 to 70 percent, 3 points >= 80 percent.
- Cervical consistency: 0 points firm, 1 point moderately firm, 2 points soft.
- Fetal station: 0 points -3, 1 point -2, 2 points -1 or 0, 3 points +1 or +2.
- Cervical position: 0 points posterior, 1 point mid-position, 2 points anterior.
Interpretation bands
- Score 0 to 6: cervix not ripe. Lower chance of vaginal birth without ripening.
- Score 7: borderline. Consider cervical ripening if induction is planned.
- Score 8 or more: cervix favourable. Chance of vaginal birth after induction is similar to spontaneous labour.
Exact thresholds and methods vary by service and guideline. Use local protocol.
Scope and limits
- Intended for term, singleton, cephalic pregnancies when considering induction of labour.
- Does not replace clinical assessment, informed consent, or shared decision making.
- Parity, prior caesarean, membranes, and specific indications influence management but are not inputs here.
Sources
- Bishop EH. Pelvic scoring for elective induction. Obstet Gynecol. 1964. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14199536/
- NICE guideline NG207, Inducing labour. www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng207
- ACOG patient guidance, Induction of labor. www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/induction-of-labor
- NHS overview, Induction of labour. www.nhs.uk/conditions/induction-of-labour/
Last updated: 26 Sep 2025
How to use this calculator
- Select or enter the five findings from the current exam: cervical dilation, cervical effacement, fetal station, cervical consistency, and fetal head position.
- The tool assigns points to each item and sums them to a Bishop score.
- Read the outputs: total score, readiness category, and a short note on the likelihood that induction will work.
This is screening support. Decisions about induction are made by a clinician after review of the whole picture.
Last updated: September 2025
Frequently asked questions
What is the Bishop score?
A summed score from five findings on exam that estimates how ready the cervix is for labour and how likely induction is to work.
What score is considered favourable?
A score of 8 or more is usually considered favourable for induction. Scores of 6 or less are often unfavourable and may need cervical ripening.
Does a low score mean a caesarean is required?
No. A low score suggests that induction may be harder. The plan depends on the clinical context and shared decision making with a clinician.
Does having given birth before change the score?
Parity can affect how the cervix responds to induction, but the Bishop scoring items and points remain the same.
Which methods are used for induction?
Common options include prostaglandins for ripening, oxytocin, membrane sweep, and artificial rupture of membranes. Choice depends on clinical review.