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Station is a term used to describe the descent of the baby into the pelvis. An imaginary line is drawn between the two bones in the pelvis (known as ischial spines). This is the "zero" line, and when the baby reaches this line it is considered to be in "zero station." When the baby is above this imaginary line it is in a minus station. When the baby is below, it is in a "plus" station. Stations are measured from -5 at the pelvic inlet to +4 at the pelvic outlet.
Station is an integral part of something known as the "Bishop's Score." The Bishop's Score is sometimes used to determine the chance of a successful vaginal delivery, or whether a woman may require a cesarean section. The Bishop's Score considers station as well as other characteristics including dilation, effacement, position and consistency of the cervix.
The Bishops Score generally follows this scale:
Score Dilatation Effacement Station Position Consistency
0 closed 0 – 30% -3 posterior firm
1 1-2 cm 40 -50% -2 mid-position moderately firm
2 3-4 cm 60 -70% -1,0 anterior soft
3 5+ cm 80+% +1,+2
A point is added to the score for each of the following:
Preeclampsia
Each prior vaginal delivery
A point is subtracted from the score for:
Postdates pregnancy
Nulliparity
Premature or prolonged rupture of membranes
Interpretation
cesarean rates: first time mothers women with past vaginal deliveries
scores of 0 – 3: 45% 7.7%
scores of 4 - 6: 10% 3.9%
scores of 7 - 10: 1.4% .9%
The more favorable the cervix and the lower the baby is in the pelvis, the less likely the need for a cesarean section. First time mothers are at particular risk for cesarean section when the cervix is not favorable.
| Each pregnancy, expectant mother, and unborn child is different. Your pregnancy may not progress the same as the information found here. The information here is based on the average pregnancy. It's not meant to be a replacement for any advice your may receive from your doctor. If you have any concerns about your pregnancy, we advise you to contact your doctor. |
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