The Application Of Specified Maneuvers For Fetal Orientation

By Nancy Watson


During gestation, pregnant moms should undergo various examinations to check the overall state or form of a fetus. The need to assist them is a requirement which surely demands courses of action and correct supervision. It is necessary to follow correct procedures so that their expectations are met and objectives are set. One common process that they go through is the Leopold maneuver.

The four specific maneuvers are processed to know the lie and presentation of the forming fetus. This is essential for moms who are pregnant to also ensure that there will be no conflict later on. This has to be performed accurately and in order to avoid overly done actions that might harm the fetal condition.

Since all maneuvers should be done in a painstaking and skilled manner, examiners like clinicians must be knowledgeable and are certified to do them appropriately. They have to be experienced since this can influence the assessment. Through their experiences, they are more capable to determine and record the fetal presentation.

The fetal outline will be undetermined if there is a distended bladder, so it has to be emptied first. For a more productive palpation, abdominal muscles should be relaxed as well that is why knees have to be flexed slightly. And to guarantee a safe course of maneuvers, the hands of clinician must be washed with warm water to avoid possible infections.

As an initial action, the nurse will stand beside the patient face the mother and palpate the upper abdomen to feel the fetal position. This portion allows the clinician to know what part occupies the fundus. Findings will show the mass which can either be the buttocks or head of the fetus. The first one is soft while the latter is round and firm.

Once there is already an assessment regarding the fetal form, the back position should be determined. Deep yet gentle pressure must be applied on each side of the abdomen. This part must be palpated gently on a circular motion using the right hand. The nurse must feel the smooth and firm fetal back.

To determine what part of fetal head is lying above the inlet, fingers and thumb should grasp the lower portion of abdomen. This part allows a clinician to feel if the presenting part is engaged or not. Findings during the first action must be validated within this process. Fetal descent must be determined in the last action through pressing fingers in both sides of uterus. Also, the best place to hear the heart tone is also identified in this stage.

Learning the main objectives of procedures can help women get educated with regards to its rationales. The topmost concern when in gestation period is the availability of clinicians for it can be difficult or dangerous to go visit far clinics and hospitals. Looking around is an extra effort to exert. This can be aided by the use of recommendations. Be certain with getting the ones that are reliable so that situations and conditions are settled.

Being pregnant is never easy. It requires perseverance and dedication to follow everything from the right food to eat up to the kind of tests to undergo. These happen to assure the complete state of both the expectant and its baby. Carrying a baby that is in right form is way beyond amazing. It gives a fulfilling feeling to moms who are expecting to see a bouncing little angel during delivery.




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