A primigravida at 40+5 weeks has a Bishop score calculated as follows: cervical dilatation 1 cm (score 1), effacement 50% (score 1), consistency soft (score 2), position anterior (score 2), station −1 (score 1). What is her total Bishop score and is cervical priming required?

• A Total score 6; cervical priming is required
• B Total score 5; cervical priming is strongly recommended
• C Total score 8; induction can proceed with amniotomy
• D Total score 7; induction can proceed without priming ✓

Explanation

Bishop score calculation: dilatation 1 cm = 1; effacement 50% = 1; consistency soft = 2; position anterior = 2; station −1 = 1. Total = 1+1+2+2+1 = 7. A Bishop score ≥6 (some sources ≥8) indicates a favourable cervix, and induction can proceed with amniotomy and/or oxytocin without prior cervical priming. Score ≤5 is unfavourable and requires cervical ripening with prostaglandins or balloon catheter.

Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.