As your due date approaches, you might hear your midwife or doctor talk about something called the Bishop score. If it sounds a bit mysterious, don’t worry—you’re not alone! This little number isn’t something you need to study for or feel anxious about. It’s simply one of the ways your care team gently checks in with your body to see how ready it might be for labour.
In other words, it’s a helpful tool that supports thoughtful decisions—especially if an induction of labour is being considered.
So, what is the Bishop score?
The Bishop score is part of a cervical assessment— how your cervix is preparing for labour and the moment you finally meet your baby. Your midwife or doctor will look at a few gentle signs during a vaginal exam, including:
- How open (dilated) your cervix is
- How soft or firm it feels
- How thin it has become (effacement)
- How low your baby’s head is in the pelvis
- And the position of your cervix
Each of these things is given a small number, and when added up, they make your Bishop score—usually somewhere between 0 and 13.
What does the score tell us?
A higher score means your body is showing signs that it’s getting ready for labour. If your score is 8 or more, it usually means your cervix is “favourable” and an induction, if needed, is more likely to go smoothly.
If the score is lower (especially below 6), it just means your cervix might need a little extra support to get ready before labour starts.
And that’s completely okay. Every body—and every baby—has their own rhythm.
If my score is low, what happens next?
If your Bishop score suggests your cervix isn’t quite ready yet, your care team might recommend a method to help it soften and open up before labour begins. This is called cervical ripening, and there are a few gentle ways to do it.
One of them is DILAPAN-S—a non-hormonal method that uses thin, hydrogel rods, similar in size to a matchstick. These are placed carefully in the cervix, where they slowly absorb moisture and help the cervix soften in a gentle, controlled way. Many women like this approach because it doesn't involve hormones and can even be done in some cases outside of the hospital (always under guidance, of course).
Is the Bishop score the only thing that matters?
Not at all. It’s just one of many things your doctor or midwife considers when planning your care. Your medical history, your baby’s wellbeing, your own preferences—all of that matters just as much.
Bishop score helps you and your care team talk about what’s best for you and your baby, especially when considering whether and how to start labour.
A gentle recap
- The Bishop score checks how ready your cervix is for labour.
- It helps your care team decide if induction is needed and when it might work the best.
- A higher score usually means your body is gearing up for birth.
- A lower score might call for some extra support, like cervical ripening.
- Tools like DILAPAN-S offer a gentle, non-hormonal option for this.
- Most importantly—you are always at the heart of every decision.
You’ve got this ❤️
Understanding your Bishop score is just one way to feel more in tune with what’s happening as you get closer to meeting your baby. If anything feels confusing or overwhelming, ask questions. Your voice matters.
Because birth isn’t just a medical event—it’s a deeply personal journey. And you deserve to feel informed, supported, and empowered every step of the way.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding your pregnancy and birth plan.
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