The Bishop Score is a well-established tool in obstetrics for evaluating the cervix before induction of labor. Introduced by Dr. Edward Bishop in 1964, it provides a structured way to assess whether induction is likely to be successful or if cervical ripening is required first. The score ranges from 0 to 13, based on five key features: cervical dilation (opening), effacement (thinning), station (position of the fetal head), consistency (firmness of the cervix), and position (posterior, mid, or anterior).

A higher Bishop Score suggests that the cervix is favorable for induction, meaning that labor is more likely to progress naturally once induction begins. A lower score suggests that induction may be prolonged or unsuccessful without prior cervical ripening. Typically, a score of 8 or more indicates that induction is likely to result in successful vaginal delivery, while scores below 6 suggest an unfavorable cervix.

The Bishop Score is not only valuable in guiding clinical decisions but also helps reduce unnecessary interventions. It plays a role in patient counseling, allowing clinicians to explain the likelihood of induction success. While widely used, the score should be interpreted alongside other clinical factors such as maternal health, gestational age, fetal well-being, and any obstetric complications.