Leopold’s Maneuvers or the Obstetric Grips are the movements or the actions carried out by an examiner during the abdominal palpation of a gravid mother after 28 weeks of gestation.
It is given in the name of Christian Gerhard Leopold, who was a German gynecologist.
Prerequisite to perform the palpation are-
– Empty the bladder.
– Stand on the right side of the patient.
– Make the patient lie in dorsal position with flexed knees and expose the abdomen of a woman keeping her privacy to be maintained.
– Rub the hands before going to touch the mother’s abdomen.
Obstetrical Grips –
There are 4 Leopold’s Maneuvers or the Obstetric Grips –
1st Leopold’s Maneuver (Fundal Grip) –
– It is performed by using both hands.
– While doing the maneuver examiner must face toward the patient’s face.
– Examiner places the palmer aspect of both hands on the fundus.
– Locate which pole of the fetus is occupying the fundus area. Like- Cephalic pole, Podalic pole.
2nd Leopold’s Maneuver / Lateral or Umbilical Grip –
– It is also performed by using both hands.
– Here also the examiner must face toward the patient’s face.
– Palpate the lateral aspect of the umbilicus, keeping one hand steady and using another hand to palpate, and repeat the process on both sides.
– By this action examiner will locate the back, limbs, and anterior shoulder.
3rd Leopold’s Maneuver / Pawlik’s Grip / 2nd Pelvic Grip –
– In this only one hand is used.
– Here examiner facing the face toward the patient’s face.
– Palpate by keeping the ulnar border of the right hand at the symphysis pubis and grasp the presentation.
-By this maneuver, the examiner Identifies the presentation, descent, and engagement.
4th Leopold’s Maneuver / 1st Pelvic Grip –
– Here examiner again uses both hands.
– Faces the face toward the patient’s feet.
– Palpate the presentation, presenting part, check the engagement and attitude by using both hands.
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