Relationship between Bishop Score and Success of Induction of Labour in Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State

Background: The ripeness of the cervix is of critical importance to the probability of successful labour induction. Aim: To determine the relationship between successful induction of labour and Bishop score. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of all obstetric patients who had induction of labour between January 1st 2012 and December 31st 2015 was done in Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki. The information obtained from patients’ case notes was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics at an alpha level of 0.05 for all statistical tests. Results: During the study period, there were 9548 deliveries; 2.76% (264) was by induction of labour with success rate of 75.4%. The mean age of the women was 28.4 ± 5.8 years; majority where nulliparous (45.45%). The most common indication for induction of labour was postdatism (43.94%). Success of induction of labour was most likely at Bishop score of 8 to 10 (OR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.72 - 0.84). Induction delivery interval was shortest with use of Foley catheter and misoprostol. Conclusion: Our study has shown that success of induction of labour was most likely at Bishop Score of 8 - 10. We advocate the use of Foley catheter and misoprostol for cervical ripening especially when there is need to expedite delivery.