ballottement
Pronunciation: bal-LOT-ment
A palpation technique where gentle pressure displaces the fetus, which then rebounds and can be felt moving back against the examiner's hand.
Full Definition
Ballottement is a clinical examination technique used in obstetrics to assess fetal presentation and position during pregnancy. The examiner applies gentle, quick pressure to the maternal abdomen or performs internal ballottement via vaginal examination, causing the fetus to move away and then return to its original position. This bouncing motion can be felt as the fetus rebounds against the examining hand. The technique is particularly useful in late pregnancy to confirm fetal presentation, assess fetal mobility, and distinguish between fetal parts and maternal structures. External ballottement is performed abdominally, while internal ballottement may be used during labor to assess fetal station and presentation.
Usage
Usage note: Often confused with general palpation techniques; specifically refers to the bouncing or rebounding motion of the fetus.
In Context
- "The midwife performed ballottement to confirm the fetal head was engaged in the pelvis." — Labor and delivery documentation
- "External ballottement revealed a mobile fetal presentation at 32 weeks gestation." — Prenatal examination report