Free Bishop Score Calculator
Select a score for each Bishop category to calculate the result
The Free Bishop Score Calculator is an online cervical assessment tool designed to evaluate a pregnant individual's readiness for labor and predict the success of labor induction. It is widely recognized as a Pregnancy Bishop Score Online resource for labor induction assessment and cervical scoring. By assigning points to five specific clinical factors, this calculator produces a numerical score that helps guide decisions regarding induction. This scoring system, often referred to as the Bishop Score for Induction, is a standard method used in obstetrics to assess cervical favorability.
Understanding the Bishop Score
Originally developed by Dr. Edward Bishop in the 1960s, the Bishop score provides a structured way to determine cervical ripeness. The score combines three cervical characteristics—dilation, effacement, and consistency—with two fetal parameters: station (the descent of the baby’s head) and position (the orientation of the baby within the pelvis). Each factor is assigned points, and the total score, which ranges from 0 to 13, indicates the likelihood of successful vaginal delivery if induction is undertaken.
Common Reasons for Labor Induction
Induction of labor may be recommended for several medical reasons:
- Pregnancy that continues beyond 42 weeks (post-term).
- Conditions such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or hypertension that endanger maternal or fetal health.
- Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) where the baby is not growing adequately.
- Premature rupture of membranes without the onset of spontaneous labor.
- Certain maternal health concerns that make continuing the pregnancy risky.
Induction is generally considered only after 36 weeks of pregnancy, as babies born earlier may face complications. Women who have given birth before often experience more predictable responses to induction.
The Five Scoring Factors
Each factor in the Bishop score is evaluated during a pelvic exam:
Cervical Dilation – Measures how far the cervix has opened, from closed (0 cm) to fully dilated (10 cm). Scoring:
- 0 cm = 0 points
- 1–2 cm = 1 point
- 3–4 cm = 2 points
- ≥5 cm = 3 points
Cervical Effacement – Refers to the thinning of the cervix, expressed as a percentage. Scoring:
- 0–30% = 0 points
- 40–50% = 1 point
- 60–70% = 2 points
- ≥80% = 3 points
Cervical Consistency – Describes the texture of the cervix. Scoring:
- Firm = 0 points
- Moderately firm = 1 point
- Soft = 2 points
Fetal Station – Indicates the position of the baby’s head relative to the ischial spines (scale −3 to +3). Scoring:
- −3 = 0 points
- −2 = 1 point
- −1 or 0 = 2 points
- +1 or +2 = 3 points
Fetal Position – The orientation of the baby’s face within the uterus. Scoring:
- Posterior (face toward mother’s front) = 0 points
- Mid (face toward mother’s side) = 1 point
- Anterior (face toward mother’s back) = 2 points
Interpreting the Bishop Score
The total score is categorized as follows:
- Score ≤ 6: Unfavorable cervix. The likelihood of successful vaginal delivery after induction is low; cervical ripening may be required.
- Score 7: Borderline; additional clinical assessment is needed.
- Score ≥ 8: Favorable cervix. The probability of a successful induction is similar to that of spontaneous labor.
This interpretation is a key part of the Bishop Score Interpretation and helps guide clinical decisions.
Using the Calculator in Practice
To use the Bishop Score Calculator, enter the results of a pelvic examination for each of the five factors. The tool automatically sums the points and displays the total score along with an interpretation. For example, a woman at 39 weeks with a dilation of 5 cm (3 points), effacement of 70% (2 points), moderately firm cervix (1 point), fetal station −1 (2 points), and anterior position (2 points) would receive a total of 10 points—indicating a cervix very favorable for induction.
This cervical scoring tool is intended for educational purposes and should not replace a complete evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional. Always discuss your results with your doctor or midwife.
FAQ
1. What is the Bishop score and how does it work?
The Bishop score is a clinical scoring system that assesses cervical ripeness before labor induction. It assigns points to five factors: cervical dilation, effacement, consistency, fetal station, and fetal position. The total score (0 to 13) indicates whether the cervix is favorable for successful vaginal delivery after induction.
2. What does a Bishop score of 6 or lower mean?
A score of 6 or less indicates an unfavorable (unripe) cervix. In such cases, induction may have a lower chance of success, and doctors might consider using cervical ripening agents before attempting induction.
3. Can I use the Bishop Score Calculator to decide whether to induce labor?
No, this tool is for educational purposes only. Decisions about labor induction should be made by a healthcare provider based on a full clinical assessment, including the Bishop score and other factors.
4. What are the five factors measured in the Bishop score?
The five factors are cervical dilation (how open the cervix is), cervical effacement (thinning of the cervix), cervical consistency (firmness), fetal station (descent of the baby's head), and fetal position (orientation of the baby's face).
How to Use
- Assess Cervical Dilation (0–3 pts): select the dilation measurement in centimeters. Closed = 0, 1–2 cm = 1, 3–4 cm = 2, 5+ cm = 3.
- Assess Cervical Effacement (0–3 pts): select the effacement percentage. 0–30% = 0, 40–50% = 1, 60–70% = 2, 80%+ = 3.
- Assess Cervical Consistency (0–2 pts), Fetal Station (0–3 pts), and Head Position (0–2 pts) using the remaining dropdowns.
- Click Calculate to sum the points and get the total Bishop Score with interpretation regarding labor induction readiness.