Leopold's maneuvers

The maneuvers are important because they help determine the position and lie of the fetus, which in conjunction with correct assessment of the shape of the maternal pelvis can indicate whether the delivery is going to be complicated, or whether a caesarean section is necessary.

The examiner's skill and practice in performing the maneuvers are the primary factor in whether the fetal lie is correctly ascertained.

After the upper abdomen has been palpated and the form that is found is identified, the individual performing the maneuver attempts to determine the location of the fetal back.

Still facing the woman, the health care provider palpates the abdomen with gentle but also deep pressure using the palm of the hands.

In the third maneuver the health care provider attempts to determine what fetal part is lying above the inlet, or lower abdomen.

[2] The individual performing the maneuver first grasps the lower portion of the abdomen just above the pubic symphysis with the thumb and fingers of the right hand.

The last maneuver requires that the health care provider face the woman's feet, as he or she will attempt to locate the fetus' brow.