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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