Bishop Score
Assesses cervical favourability for induction of labour. Score ≥6 predicts successful induction.
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 0–5: Unfavourable cervix. Induction likely to fail or require pre-induction cervical ripening.
→ Pre-induction cervical ripening: vaginal prostaglandin E2 (dinoprostone 3mg ×2, 6h apart) or balloon catheter. Reassess Bishop before starting oxytocin.
Bishop Score 6–8: Favourable cervix. Induction likely to succeed with AROM ± oxytocin.
→ Artificial rupture of membranes (ARM) ± oxytocin infusion. Continuous CTG monitoring once oxytocin started.
Bishop Score ≥9: Very favourable cervix. High likelihood of successful vaginal delivery.
→ ARM alone may be sufficient. Oxytocin only if required after ARM. Anticipate relatively rapid labour.
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.
- 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.