Using the Bishop Score and Natural Induction

Jordan Zabawa
Apr 30
4 min read

Updated: May 9

Using the Bishop Score and Natural Induction: What Expecting Parents Should Know

As a birth doula who believes deeply in the God-designed beauty of a woman’s body and its natural ability to bring forth life, I’m passionate about helping parents understand their options when it comes to labor and birth. One topic that often comes up as due dates approach is the Bishop Score and how it relates to inducing labor—naturally or otherwise.

Whether you're approaching your due date or simply planning ahead, understanding the Bishop Score can empower you to make informed, faith-aligned, and gentle choices for your body and baby.

What Is the Bishop Score?

The Bishop Score is a tool used by care providers to evaluate how ready your cervix is for labor. It was developed in 1964 by Dr. Edward Bishop as a way to predict the likelihood of a successful induction of labor. Essentially, it gives a numerical score based on several physical signs of cervical readiness.

The score helps determine whether your body is likely to respond well to an induction—either medical or natural—or whether it may be better to wait for more signs of spontaneous labor.

How Is the Bishop Score Calculated?

The Bishop Score is based on five components of the cervix and baby’s position:

Dilation – How open the cervix is (measured in centimeters).
Effacement – How thin the cervix is (expressed in percentage).
Station – How low the baby is in the pelvis.
Consistency – Whether the cervix feels firm, medium, or soft.
Position – Whether the cervix is tilted toward the back (posterior), middle (mid), or front (anterior) of the vagina.

Each factor is assigned a score, and the total can range from 0 to 13. Generally speaking:

0–4 indicates an "unfavorable" cervix (not ready for induction),
5–6 is "moderately favorable",
7 or more means the cervix is "ripe" or ready for labor.

It’s important to remember: this score is a tool, not a verdict. It’s one piece of a much bigger picture, and it doesn’t account for your intuition, your baby’s unique timing, or the powerful hormonal orchestration God designed to guide your labor journey.

Why Does the Bishop Score Matter?

Doctors may use the Bishop Score to decide when and how to induce labor, particularly if you’re post-dates or have a medical indication. If your cervix isn’t ready, a medical induction may involve multiple drugs or interventions to “ripen” the cervix first—and these interventions can lead to a cascade of further procedures, like Pitocin or even cesarean birth.

That’s why understanding your Bishop Score can help you advocate for yourself and explore more gentle alternatives when possible. In many cases, waiting patiently or trying natural methods may allow your body to prepare in its own perfect time.

Holistic and Natural Ways to Support a Ripe Cervix

If you're hoping to avoid medical induction and support your body’s natural timing, there are several gentle, time-tested practices that may encourage your cervix to ripen—especially once your Bishop Score is showing signs of readiness:

Nourishment & Hydration – Eating whole, nutrient-dense foods and staying hydrated supports your body’s hormonal balance and energy reserves.
Dates – Studies have shown that eating 6 dates a day from 36 weeks onward can help ripen the cervix and promote shorter labor.
Red Raspberry Leaf Tea – Known for toning the uterus and supporting effective contractions.
Sex & Intimacy – Semen contains prostaglandins that may help soften the cervix, and orgasm releases oxytocin—your natural “labor hormone.”
Gentle Movement – Walking, yoga, and birth ball exercises can encourage baby to engage and press on the cervix naturally.
Prayer & Relaxation – The more relaxed and spiritually grounded you are, the better your body can produce oxytocin and flow into labor. Spending time in prayer or Scripture can calm anxiety and create space for trust.

Trusting in God’s Timing

As we prepare for birth, it’s easy to feel pressure from timelines, due dates, and hospital policies. But your baby was fearfully and wonderfully made—and so were you. Trust that your body knows what to do and that God's timing is perfect.

Sometimes labor begins when we least expect it—after a walk in the sunshine, a quiet evening of worship, or a simple moment of surrender. These are not small things. They are sacred, powerful moments of co-creation with God.

A Prayer for Waiting on God’s Timing

Heavenly Father, thank You for the beautiful design of my body and the precious life within me. As I wait for labor to begin, help me to trust in Your perfect timing. Calm my fears, steady my heart, and prepare me—spirit, soul, and body—for the journey ahead. I surrender to the process You created and invite You into every contraction, every breath, and every moment. Let Your peace surround me as I welcome this baby into the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Bishop Score Reference Chart

Factor	0 Points	1 Point	2 Points	3 Points
Dilation	Closed	1–2 cm	3–4 cm	5+ cm
Effacement	0–30%	40–50%	60–70%	80%+
Station	-3	-2	-1 or 0	+1 or +2
Consistency	Firm	Medium	Soft	–
Position	Posterior	Mid-position	Anterior	–

Add up your points. A score of 7+ generally means the cervix is ready for labor. Lower scores suggest the body may need more time or support.

Final Thoughts

The Bishop Score can be a helpful tool, but it should never replace your inner knowing, your voice, or your right to choose a path that aligns with your values. Whether your Bishop Score is low, high, or somewhere in between, there are natural, holistic ways to encourage your body—and there’s always room for grace.

As your doula or supporter, I’m here to walk with you through these choices and remind you: You were created for this.

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