Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
Leopold's maneuvers
Pronunciation: LEE-oh-poldz mah-NOO-verz
Four systematic abdominal examination techniques used to determine fetal position, presentation, and engagement in utero.
Full Definition
Leopold's maneuvers are a series of four palpation techniques performed on the maternal abdomen to assess fetal lie, presentation, position, and the degree of fetal head engagement in the pelvis. Named after Christian Gerhard Leopold, these maneuvers are fundamental clinical skills in obstetric examination and help guide delivery planning. The techniques involve systematic palpation of the uterine fundus, lateral aspects, and suprapubic region.
Usage
Usage note: Always possessive form 'Leopold's' - named after the German obstetrician.
In Context
- "The resident performed Leopold's maneuvers to confirm the breech presentation before calling for cesarean section." — Clinical documentation
- "Leopold's maneuvers revealed a vertex presentation with the fetal back on the maternal right side." — Obstetric examination report
Also known as
Leopold maneuvers
abdominal palpation
fetal assessment maneuvers
Don't confuse with
Lachman's test
Lasègue's sign