When it comes to pregnancy, the only thing predictable is unpredictability. For example, you are given a “due date” and set your whole life for the next nine months based on that single day. Did you know, only 5% of women deliver on their due date? 80% will deliver between 37- 42 weeks. One in five women will find themselves facing the suggestion of an induction. So after considering the reason for the suggestion, how do you know if an induction is right for you right now?
Find your BISHOP score before induction
First developed by Professor Emeritus of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Edward Bishop, a Bishop score is a prelabor score for the cervix. Sometimes you will hear this called the favorability of your cervix. Knowing your Bishop score may help to predict how far off labor is and may indicate the chances of a successful medical induction.
How is a BISHOP score determined?
Should you choose to explore this option, your care provider can determine your score during an internal exam. In preparation of labor, your cervix will change in a number of ways:
- position (from pointing towards your spine to leaning forward)
- consistency (from hard like your nose to soft like your cheek)
- effacement (shortening of the cervix)
- dilation (opening of the cervix)
- station (how high the baby is in your pelvis
Once you know your score, you can evaluate whether or not you feel an induction is right for you and which method is likely to be effective.
We are happy to help you process the information and discuss your options. Feel free to reach out.
Find Your Bishop Score Before Induction
