LEOPOLD'S MANEUVER

In Leopold's Maneuver, you have to get the obstetrical history of the client. Compute for the Expected date of delivery or confinement (EDC) and age of gestation (AOG). Interview the mother for the last menstrual period and the immunizations that the mother have. Review the client's medical records for history of hypertension, diabetes, allergies and other diseases.

Prepare your needed equipment or supplies such as stethoscope, bath towel and tape measure. Explain the procedure to the client. Instruct the mother to void or empty her bladder.

Provide privacy. Position the client in supine with knees slightly flexed (dorsal recumbent position). Place roll towel on the right lateral aspect of the thorax. Wash hands. Check or observe the abdomen for longest diameter and where fetal movement is visible.

Initially, perform the first maneuver by stating its purpose. Go at the foot side of the client, facing her and place your hands flat on her abdomen. Palpate the fundus. Check the consistency, shape and mobility.

Next will be the second maneuver. You must state the purpose. Then, face the client and place the palms of your hands on either side of the abdomen. Palpate the uterus while holding your hand stable on the left side of the abdomen and palpate using the right hand on the opposite side from top to bottom. Hold the hand steady and repeat palpation using the left hand.

Moreover, do the third maneuver and state the purpose. Grasp gently the lower portion of the abdomen just above the symphysis pubis between the thumb and the index finger and try to press the thumb and finger together to check which part is soft and hard. Also, note any movement.

Next will be the fourth maneuver. State its purpose. Face at the client feet, place fingers on both side of the uterus approximately 2 inchesabove the inguinal ligaments pressing downward and inward towards the birth canal.

Lastly, get the fundic height measurement by palpating the outline of the fetus and the top of the uterine fundus. Get the tape measure and get the measurement of the fundic height in cm from the top of symphysis pubis to the top of the uterine fundus.

Reposition the client in comfortable position. Documents.