Leopold's

Leopold's Maneuvers are a common and systematic way to determine the position of a fetus inside the woman's uterus; they are named after the gynecologist Christian Gerhard Leopold. They are also used to estimate term fetal weight.

Procedure

The maneuvers consist of four distinct actions. Each action is designed to give certain information regarding fetal position or station. The maneuvers are important because they help determine the position and presentation of the fetus, which in conjunction with correct assessment of the shape and size of the maternal pelvis can indicate whether the delivery is going to be complicated, or whether a Cesarean section is necessary.

First Maneuver

The first maneuver is called fundal grip. The examiner faces the woman's head and places both hands on the upper portion of the abdomen to identify which fetal part is located in the fundus, or top, of the uterus.

Second Maneuver

The second maneuver is called the umbilical grip. The examiner's hands are placed on the sides of the woman's abdomen to determine on which side the fetus's back is located.

Third Maneuver

The third maneuver is called Pawlik's grip or first pelvic grip. The examiner faces the woman's feet with fingertips just above the pubic symphysis to determine what part of the fetus is lying above the pelvic inlet.

Fourth Maneuver

The fourth maneuver is called the second pelvic grip. The examiner's fingers are moved gently side to side. This maneuver attempts to determine the degree of fetal descent into the birth canal.

See also

• Obstetrics
• Gynecology
• Pregnancy
• Fetus
• Cesarean section

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