Obstetric Examination Flashcards
What is the necessary exposure?
Breasts to pubic bone
How would you position the patient?
Lie on a low pillow
In late pregnancy offer more pillows and adopt left lateral position - caval compression
What do you inspect?
Scars
Striae
Linea nigra
Swelling of uterus from pelvis
What do you palpate?
Upper and lateral sdges
2 foetal poles
Highest point of uterus
Fundal height (invert the tape measure)
Fundal height should be equivalent to the gestation in weeks +/- 3cm
Place both hands at base of uterus, above pubic bone, warning patient of possible discomfort, ballot the head gently or not if not possible (feeling for presenting part)
Estimate engagement
What comes after palpation?
Listen to foetal heart over baby’s abterior shoulder using a doptone / doppler