Leopold maneuvers
Pronunciation: LEE-oh-pold ma-NOO-vers
Four-step systematic palpation technique used to determine fetal position, presentation, and engagement during pregnancy.
Full Definition
Leopold maneuvers are a series of four systematic abdominal palpation techniques used to assess fetal lie, presentation, position, and degree of engagement in the third trimester of pregnancy. Named after German obstetrician Christian Gerhard Leopold, these maneuvers help clinicians determine the best delivery approach and identify potential complications. The four steps assess: (1) what is in the fundus, (2) the location of the fetal back, (3) what is presenting at the pelvic inlet, and (4) the degree of fetal head engagement. These maneuvers are particularly important when ultrasound is not available or as a complementary clinical assessment tool.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize 'Leopold' as it is a proper noun.
In Context
- "Leopold maneuvers revealed a vertex presentation with the fetal back on the maternal left." — Prenatal examination note