Getting Induced? Here’s Why Your Bishop Score Matters!
Mama Natural
Wondering if induction is right for you? Know your Bishop score!
First published by Dr. Edward Bishop in 1964, the Bishop score may predict the likelihood of a successful vaginal birth if induction is conducted.
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It considers five components Cervical position (low is ideal), Effacement (thinner is better), Dilation (some dilation is good), Fetal Station (lower is better) and Consistency of cervix (soft is good, hard isn't promising).
Your midwife or doctor will give you a score for each component… the higher your score, the higher your chance of a successful induction.
You really want an 8 or higher walking into an induction. If your score is lower, talk to your midwife or doctor about other options.
Many mamas just need more time for their body and baby to be ready for labor. As long as there are no health risks, see if you can postpone an induction until you go into labor naturally or your Bishop score is higher.
