Professional paper
LEOPOLD’S MANEUVERS: HOW COMMON IS IT IN OUR DAILY PRACTICE?
Hisham M. Mirghani
; Department Obstet. & Gynecol, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, United Arab Emirates
Howaida Khair
; Department Obstet & Gynecol, Tawam Hospital, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
Badreldeen Ahmed
; Department Obstetrics & Gynecologist, Women Hospital, Hamad Medical Coporation, Doha, Qatar
Abstract
Objective. To determine how frequent obstetricians use Leopold’s maneuvers in their practice. Subjects and Methods. A questionnaire with numerical scale was distributed among practicing obstetricians. They examined how frequent the symphyseal fundal height (SFH) measurement, Leopold’s maneuvers and ultrasound examination for fetal orientation were performed. Results. A total of 165 obstetricians completed the questionnaire. Only 56 (33.9%) respondents indicated that they use SFH. The first and third Leopold’s maneuver were the most frequent abdominal grips performed. Only 36 (21.8%) respondents regularly perform all four maneuvers. Seventy seven (46.7%) respondents use ultrasound to determine fetal orientation. The use of ultrasound was significantly higher (p=0.02) in those practicing for less than 10 years (62.6%) compared to those practicing for 10 years or more (43.3%). Conclusion. Leopold’s maneuvers are still common in daily obstetrics practice. Abdominal palpation remains a common method to estimate the uterine size. The first and third Leopold’s maneuver were the most frequent abdominal grips performed. Ultrasound examination is commonly used to determine fetal orientation.
Keywords
Leopold’s maneuvers; ultrasound; fetal orientation
Hrčak ID:
23415
URI
Publication date:
1.6.2007.
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