Getting induced? Know your Bishop Score!
Mama Natural
How do you know if induction is the right choice for you? Enter, the Bishop score.
šThe Bishop score, aka cervix score, is a simple method that helps predict how likely it is a full term pregnant mama will achieve a vaginal birth if induction is necessary. It can also help predict whether induction may be necessary.
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First published in 1964 by Dr. Edward Bishop, the Bishop score considers 5ļøā£ different components of vaginal exam to arrive at a total score that can range from zero to twelve.
AĀ high Bishop score means aĀ higherĀ chance at successful induction. A low Bishop score means aĀ lowerĀ chance of successful induction.
ā8 or more points. Bishop scores above eight indicate labor will most likely start spontaneously (and soon). It also indicates that if an induction is necessary, it will moreĀ than likely be successful.
ā6 to 7 points. Bishop scores in this range arenāt a great predictor one way or the other.
ā5 or fewer points. Low Bishop scores indicate thatĀ an induction is less likely to be successful. Keep in mind some women with low Bishop scores will still need to be induced for the health of the mama and baby.
š Head to MamaNatural.com for my handy Bishop score calculator.
While a helpful tool, the Bishop score is not the be-all end-all. It is just one of many methods birth workers use to predict birth outcomes and the need for interventions. Many women with low Bishop scores go on to have wonderful natural births. š
