Bishop Score: How It's Calculated and What It Means for Labor Induction
Updated: 2 days ago
Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: November 2026 · How we review
Quick Answer: What is a Bishop score?
The Bishop score is a tool used to check how ready the cervix is for labor. Scores range from 0 to 13. A score of 8 or more means an induction is likely to lead to a vaginal birth. A score of 5 or less means your body isn't ready yet. It's an estimate, not a guarantee. [1]
What the research says
In people who have given birth before, the score may matter less. In 600 multiparous women whose labor was induced, vaginal birth rates were high whether the Bishop score was under 6 (93.7%) or 6 and above (94.9%), with no difference in maternal or newborn outcomes. (Navve et al., Journal of Perinatology, 2017) [2]
Ultrasound may add to the Bishop score but hasn't replaced it. A meta-analysis of 10 studies (1,612 patients) found that cervical length on transvaginal ultrasound had higher, but not statistically significant, odds of predicting successful induction than the Bishop score (odds ratio 2.17). (Namutosi et al., The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine, 2026) [3]
Key takeaways
The Bishop score estimates how likely labor induction is to succeed.
It scores five factors: dilation, effacement, consistency, cervical position and fetal station.
Scores range from 0 to 13; 8 or more is favorable.
Your provider usually calculates it at 40 weeks, or earlier if there's a medical reason.
It is an estimate only; some people with low scores still have successful vaginal births.
What is the Bishop score?
The Bishop score shows how ready your body is for labor. It checks for changes in your cervix (the opening to the uterus) and how low your baby's head is in your pelvis. The final score helps your provider estimate whether inducing labor will lead to a successful vaginal delivery. [1]
It is named after Edward Bishop, who created it in 1964 to help predict the success of labor induction using five criteria. It is sometimes called a cervix score or a pelvic score. [1]
When is the Bishop score checked?
Your provider usually calculates it once you're 40 weeks pregnant, because induction usually isn't considered before your due date. They may check it earlier if there's a medical reason to consider induction. [1]
How is the Bishop score calculated?
Your provider scores five factors and adds them up: [1]
Factor | What it measures | Sign of readiness |
Dilation | How open your cervix is, in centimeters (up to about 10 cm in labor) | More open |
Effacement | How thin and short your cervix is (100% effaced is "paper-thin") | Thinner |
Consistency | How soft your cervix feels | Softer |
Cervical position | Where your cervix sits relative to the birth canal | Anterior (forward) rather than posterior |
Fetal station | How far your baby's head has dropped relative to the ischial spines in your pelvis | Positive numbers (head has descended) |
Sources: [1]
Each factor has three or four options that reflect how favorable your cervix is. A favorable cervix is one that is ready for labor. [1]
Bishop score example
Here is how one person might score 7 points: [1]
Finding | Points |
4 centimeters dilated | 2 |
Anterior cervical position | 2 |
50% effaced | 1 |
Firm cervix | 0 |
Fetal station of zero | 2 |
Total | 7 |
Sources: [1]
How does your provider measure the score?
Your provider examines your cervix during a pelvic exam. You lie back on an exam table with your feet in stirrups, and they insert a gloved finger into your vagina to feel your cervix. You may feel some discomfort, but it shouldn't be painful. [1]
They also check your baby's position, either with an ultrasound or by feeling your abdomen. Then they score each part. Your provider may not use the Bishop score if you have certain health conditions or if it isn't safe. [1]
What does your Bishop score mean?
Score | What it means |
8 or more | Favorable. Labor is likely to begin soon, and induction is likely to lead to a vaginal birth. |
6 to 7 | Induction may or may not work; your provider makes a judgment call. |
5 or less | Your body isn't ready for labor, and labor is unlikely to start on its own. |
Sources: [1]
Your score is just one sign of how likely you are to need an induction. Some people with low scores have successful vaginal births after induction, and some with high scores have unsuccessful inductions. [1]
Does a Bishop score mean you need an induction?
Not by itself. Induction depends on many factors. It's usually needed when certain medical conditions are present or when your provider feels it isn't safe to wait for labor to start naturally. The Bishop score helps guide that decision, but it isn't the only tool. [1]
What are the limitations of the Bishop score?
It only estimates; it can't promise that induction will lead to a vaginal birth.
You can have a low score and still go into labor on your own.
It doesn't account for health conditions or whether you'll develop strong contractions.
Scores can vary slightly between providers, because some parts are based on how the cervix feels.
Sources: [1]
Questions to ask your provider
What is my Bishop score, and what does it mean for me?
Do I need an induction, and why?
What can be done if my cervix isn't ready?
What happens if the induction doesn't work?
Conclusion
The Bishop score turns a cervical exam into a number from 0 to 13 that helps estimate whether labor induction is likely to succeed. A score of 8 or more is favorable, while 5 or less suggests your body isn't ready yet.
Because the score is only an estimate, your provider weighs it with your health, your baby's health and your wishes. It's normal to have questions or mixed feelings about induction, so talk them through with your care team.
Keep learning: Read our guides to the due date calculator, the pelvic exam and the nonstress test. For more on induction, see ACOG: Labor Induction.
FAQ
What is a Bishop score?
It is a 0-to-13 score of how ready your cervix is for labor, used to estimate if induction will work. [1]
What is a good Bishop score?
A score of 8 or more is favorable and means induction has a better chance of success. [1]
What does a Bishop score of 5 or less mean?
Your body isn't ready for labor yet, and labor is unlikely to start on its own. [1]
What does a Bishop score of 6 or 7 mean?
Induction may or may not work, so your provider makes a judgment call. [1]
What five factors make up the Bishop score?
Cervical dilation, effacement, consistency, position and fetal station. [1]
When is the Bishop score checked?
Usually at 40 weeks, or earlier if there's a medical reason to consider induction. [1]
Does a Bishop score check hurt?
You may feel some discomfort during the cervical exam, but it shouldn't be painful. [1]
Can I go into labor naturally with a low Bishop score?
Yes. You can have a low score and still go into labor on your own. [1]
Who created the Bishop score?
Edward Bishop created it in 1964. [1]
Is the Bishop score always accurate?
No. It only estimates, and scores can vary slightly between providers. [1]
Related Reading
Learn more in our guide to Understanding Labor Induction: A Comprehensive Patient Guide.
Learn more in our guide to Foley Bulb Induction: A Mechanical Approach to Labor Preparation.
References
Cleveland Clinic. Bishop Score: Purpose, Calculation & Limitations. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated May 12, 2026. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/24252-bishop-score
Navve D, Orenstein N, Ribak R, et al. Is the Bishop-score significant in predicting the success of labor induction in multiparous women? J Perinatol. 2017;37(5):480-483. PMID 28181995. https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2016.260
Namutosi E, Akankwasa P, Suleiman IA, et al. Accuracy of preinduction transvaginal sonography (TVS) and bishop scores in predicting successful labor induction: a global systematic review and meta-analysis. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2026;39(1):2607251. PMID 41485908. https://doi.org/10.1080/14767058.2025.2607251
Medical disclaimer
This article is for general education only and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor about your own diagnosis and treatment, and seek emergency care right away for severe or sudden symptoms.
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