Bishop Score
Bishop score (1964) of cervical readiness for induction of labour. NICE NG207: 6 or less → cervical ripening methods; more than 6 → amniotomy and oxytocin; 8 or more generally indicates a ripe cervix.
How to use & interpret
The Bishop score assesses how favourable the cervix is for induction of labour, scoring cervical dilation, effacement, station, consistency and position. A higher score means a more favourable cervix and a higher chance of successful induction.
Broadly, a score ≥8 suggests the cervix is favourable (induction likely to succeed, comparable to spontaneous labour), while a low score (often <6) suggests cervical ripening (e.g. prostaglandins or a balloon catheter) may be needed first. Thresholds vary by local protocol.
Score interpretation
Bishop score 6 or less: unfavourable cervix (NICE NG207).
→ Pre-induction cervical ripening — Adults: vaginal prostaglandin E2 (dinoprostone 3mg ×2, 6h apart), low-dose oral misoprostol, or a mechanical method (balloon catheter). Children: use a children's formulary. Reassess Bishop before starting oxytocin.
Bishop score more than 6 (NICE NG207); below the score of 8 that generally indicates a ripe cervix.
→ Amniotomy and intravenous oxytocin infusion (NICE NG207).
Bishop score 8 or more: the cervix is ready; high chance of successful induction.
→ Amniotomy and intravenous oxytocin infusion (NICE NG207).
Interpretation bands for the Bishop Score. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
Frequently asked questions
What Bishop score is considered favourable?
A score of 8 or more is generally considered favourable for induction; lower scores often prompt cervical ripening before amniotomy/oxytocin, per local guidance.
References
- Bishop EH. Pelvic scoring for elective induction. Obstet Gynecol. 1964;24:266–268.
- NICE NG207. Inducing labour. 2021.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Dinoprostone (Cervical Ripening / Induction of Labour) · Prostaglandin E2 (Cervical Ripening / Induction of Labour)
- Propofol · Anaesthetic (IV Induction / Sedation)
- Thiopental Sodium · Barbiturate Induction Agent
- Etomidate · Imidazole Induction Agent
- Clomifene Citrate · Selective Oestrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) / Ovulation Induction Agent
- Carboprost · Uterotonic (Prostaglandin)
- Spinal Anaesthesia Hypotension Management · AAGBI; ASA
- Pre-Eclampsia / Eclampsia in ED · NICE NG133; RCOG Green-top 10A
- Suspected Ectopic Pregnancy · NICE NG126; RCOG Green-top 21
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) · International PCOS Guideline 2023; NICE CKS
- Pre-eclampsia Management · NICE NG133 2019
- Ectopic Pregnancy · NICE CG154 / RCOG GTG 21
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.