- Is a systematic method of observation and palpation to determine fetal position, presentation, lie and attitude which helps in predicting course of labor.
- Keen observation of abdomen should give data about:
- longest diameter in appearance.
- location of apparent fetal movement.
- The woman should lie in supine position with knees flexed slightly.
- Hands should be warm to aid comfort and avoid abdominal contraction.
- Done with empty bladder.
- The four maneuver's are:
- First maneuver
- To determine presenting part at the fundus.
- head is round and hard, breech is is less defined.
- to determine fetal back.
- one hand will feel smooth hard resistant surface ( the back) and the opposite side, a number of angular nodulation ( knees and elbows of fetus).
- to determine position and mobility of presenting part.
- If the presenting part moves upward so the examiner's hand can be pressed together, then presenting part is not engaged.
- to determine fetal descent.
- fingers are pressed in both side of the uterus approximately 2 inches above the inguinal ligaments; then press upward and inward.
