LEOPOLD'S MANUEVER Flashcards
Are systemic method of observation and palpation to determine fetal presentation and position
Leopold’s Maneuver
consist of four distinct actions, each helping to determine the position of the fetus
Leopold’s Maneuver
in conjunction with correct assessment of the maternal pelvis, this can indicate whether or not the delivery is going to be complicated, or whether or not a cesarean section is necessary
Leopold’s Maneuver
- When client is obese
- When client has hydramnios
- The palpation can be uncomfortable if woman is not relaxed and adequately positioned
DIFFICULTIES IN PERFORMING MANEUVERS
The health care provider should ensure that the woman has recently
emptied the bladder
if unable to micturate, px may need to have a
straight urinary catheter inserted
proper position of maneuver is
lay on her back with her shoulders raised slightly on a pillow and her knees drawn up a little
- Patient should empty her bladder
- Examiner’s hand should be warm
- Explain the procedure to the patient
- Provide client’s privacy
- Position patient in dorsal recumbent
REMINDERS before maneuver
- Determination of what fetal part is in the fundus
Fundal grip (1st)
- Evaluation of the fetal back and extremities
Umbilical grip (2nd)
- Palpation of the presenting part above the symphysis or the engagement
Pawlick’s grip (3rd)
- Determination of the direction and degree of flexion of the head
Pelvic grip (4th)
Done only when baby is in cephalic presentation
Pelvic grip (4th)
position of the fetal presenting part and its descent into the pelvis and how far the fetus has descended
Fetal Station
used to describe station 0
Ischial Spine of maternal pelvis
is described by the relationship of the long axis of the fetus to the long axis of the mother.
FETAL LIE
most common fetal lie
vertical lie
this is a problem with a term baby and labor approaching
the transverse lie
a problem in a a term pregnancy
Oblique lie
When the fetus is in the vertex position (head first in reference to maternal pelvic) in fundal grip,
buttocks should feel irregular shape and firm
When the fetus is in breech position (legs first in reference to maternal pelvic) in fundal grip,
the head should feel hard round and movable
you’ll feel a smooth, hard surface on one side which is the fetal back if the fetus is in this position
vertex position during umbilical grip
If the fetus is in this position during umbilical grip, you may not feel the fetal back at all
breech position
if the fetus is in vertex and has descended during pawlick’s grip, you’ll feel a
less distinct mass