The Bishop Score
What is it? A pelvic scoring system used to predict how well an induction will go. Sometimes inductions can fail, especially if the cervix is not favorable.
The Bishop Score evaluates the position of the cervix, the cervical consistency, dilation, effacement and station of the presenting part (baby’s head, usually, or in breech births this would be the bottom). The higher the score, the more favorable the cervix may be for induction.
Unfavorable conditions include a posterior cervix, with firm consistency, -3 station, 0-30% effaced and 0 cm. dilated. More favorable conditions would include an anterior cervix that is soft, with -1 station, 60-70% effaced, 3-4 cm dilated or better.
Induction is a medical procedure used to stimulate the start of labor. In most cases this is used in women who are past their due date, for babies who are expected to be large at birth, or with other complications that require a quick birth of the baby but are not severe enough to require a cesarean delivery.
Induction is not recommended to “plan” a birth date, or for women who are getting impatient waiting on their little one. As with all medical intervention, induction does carry risks from mild to serious. Unless medically needed, babies will come when they are ready. Even the big ones! :-) There are more natural approaches you can take to help stimulate labor on your own at home, however, none of these techniques will work unless your body is ready to go into labor anyway.
I will post additional details about induction either tomorrow or in a few days. I’d like to start some categores and blogging on a few topics and turn this blog somewhat into a “childbirth education on the web” type of deal. It won’t take the place of a good childbirth class, but it will certainly (hopefully?) help someone who is unable to take a class for whatever reason, or just for those who want more info!