What does the Bishop Score assess before labor?

The Bishop Score is a critical tool used to assess the readiness of the cervix for labor. It evaluates several factors related to cervical conditions, which include cervical dilation, effacement (thinning), consistency, position, and the station of the fetal head. Each factor is assigned a score, and the total helps clinicians determine whether a woman is favorable for induction of labor or if she is likely to go into spontaneous labor soon. A higher Bishop Score indicates that the cervix is more favorable for labor, which can help guide decision-making regarding the timing and possibility of intervention, such as inducing labor.

The other choices do not relate to the purpose of the Bishop Score. Assessing fetal heart rate is a procedure that focuses on fetal wellbeing during labor, while maternal nutrition status does not directly impact cervical readiness. Neonatal weight assessment is a factor considered after delivery, rather than before labor.