Bishops Score?

[mrstickle77]

Wondering if there is anyone out there who knows something about this?

I am 41 weeks today, and no signs baby is on its way.

I had a sweep last week, and another today. The doctor said she didn't think anything was imminent but the neck of my womb was softening.

I've not had any obvious signs of labour yet - no plug, a few tightenings but nothing painful.

I'm booked in for an induction on Monday when when I'll be 40+12.

Just looking at my notes now, and she's written B score - 3 (not sure if its meant to be a dash or a minus).

I've googled and it seems there is something called a bishop score which indicates how ready the body is?

Can anyone help me interpret please?

My midwife mentioned this and I believe it's to do with how ready/favourable the cervix is, ie. whether it is 'high and far back' (which mine was) which makes it less ready for labour, or I guess lower down.

All I know is that my cervix was unfavourable when I had the pessary for induction, and I had a 3 and a half hour labour very shortly afterwards! I hadn't had any signs of labour at all, and no membrane sweep. HTH!

Bishops score is where we do ascertain from a VE what your cervix is doing.

So it covers things like the length of cervix, where cervix is (posterior, central etc) effacement, and how high/low babes head is. Oh and dilatation.

3 isnt the worst score, so dont be disheartened! Is it your first baby?

Good luck

Thank you. Yes, its my first. I take it you're a health professional?
I was wondering if things don't change by Monday (booked for induction) whether that may mean a c-section. From what I've googled an induction wouldn't be attemped with a low score? I'll be almost 42 wks at that point.

Yes I am a midwife

No not at all re CS. Women have inductions with a 0 bishops score. The first port of call would vary from trust to trust but a prostaglandin pessary is the usual step 1, as this softens the cervix, and then after a few doses of that other things can be given.

I would recommend (As a Mum you enjoy your aslt weekend as a couple, take some long walks, have a nice meal, watch some movies and sleep! Make the most of it before your lives change

Exciting times for you, good luck.

*last

That's very reassuring thank you. Yes, I will be trying to chill out.I know I should try to enjoy this last time, but I've been on pins since about 37 wks. Unfortunately the chill will be alone as OH will be on nights - unless his pat leaves comes into play of course!

Aaah men hey

Get your friends to amuse you, or go for a massage. ANything to try and take your mind off it.

Another related question for the midwives out there - is it possible to ascertain a Bishops Score without doing a membrane sweep???

Only asking because I'm 42 weeks and agreed to VE at my last appointment but declined a sweep to be told that they were one and the same thing .

I had a bishops score of 1 with ds1 and was induced with prostaglandin gel. It started my labour almost straight away although I did have a synotcinon drip later as things slowed. Hope all goes well.

Mrs Stickle, I know how you feel. I am nine days over with my first and on Tuesday had a bishops score of -3.
Midwife couldn't even do a sweep.
Have some had period type cramps since then and some pretty fully on Braxton Hicks but it doesn't seem to amount to anything.
The waiting is so boring, DH goes off to work each day hoping to be called back and I am going stir crazy.
Here's hoping something kicks off soon Mrs S.

I hope so too MedicalEd, for both of us! I agree that its the wait that makes it worse. I was up being sick in the middle of the night, and got a teeny bit excited that things might be starting - alas to no avail today.

I've just realised you are Mrs T not Mrs S, sorry.