Bishop Score vs. Cervical Length in Labor Induction

Participants include 88 primigravida women at ≥37 weeks of gestation, each with a singleton pregnancy in cephalic presentation. All participants present with medical or obstetric indications for induction of labor, such as post-dates, oligohydramnios, mild preeclampsia, or premature rupture of membranes. Exclusion criteria include prior uterine surgery, multiple pregnancies, malpresentation, placenta previa, vasa previa, non-reassuring fetal status at admission, or maternal infections such as active genital herpes and HIV. A carefully designed sample size calculation ensures adequate power, with a final cohort of 44 women per study arm.

Inclusion criteria

• Singleton pregnancy

Cephalic fetal presentation

Gestational age ≥37 weeks (confirmed by reliable dating)

Indication for induction of labor (postdate pregnancy, oligohydramnios, mild preeclampsia, premature rupture of membranes)

Exclusion criteria

• Previous uterine surgery (e.g., cesarean section, myomectomy)

Multiple gestation

Malpresentation

Placenta previa or vasa previa

Non-reassuring fetal heart status at admission

Active genital herpes or HIV infection