Leopold's Maneuvers: Assessing Fetal Position in Late Pregnancy

Leopold's maneuvers are four abdominal palpation techniques used in the third trimester to determine:

• Fetal lie (longitudinal vs. transverse)
• Presentation (cephalic vs. breech)
• Engagement (engaged vs. floating)
• Estimated fetal weight
• Position abnormalities

The Four Maneuvers

1. First: Hands above pubic bone and below umbilicus; feel for fetal head (hard, round if engaged).
2. Second: Hands on sides of uterus; feel for fetal back (firm, smooth).
3. Third: Hands above and below fundus; feel for fetal buttocks (soft, round above fundus).
4. Fourth: Hands on sides of fetus; feel for extremities (small, movable).

Performed by healthcare providers to guide delivery planning.