What does a Bishop score of less than 5 typically indicate?

A Bishop score of less than 5 typically indicates that cervical ripening is insufficient, which often leads to the need for induction of labor. The Bishop score is a pre-labor scoring system used to determine the readiness of the cervix for labor by evaluating several factors: cervical dilation, effacement, station of the fetal presenting part, consistency of the cervix, and position of the cervix.

When the score is low, it suggests that the cervix is not yet ripe, meaning it may not be favorable for labor to initiate spontaneously. In such cases, healthcare providers often recommend induction to facilitate the onset of labor. This may involve the use of medications or mechanical methods to help soften and dilate the cervix, thereby improving the chances of a successful vaginal delivery. Therefore, a low Bishop score directly correlates with the likelihood of needing induction to initiate labor processes.