History & examinationFree in the app
Leopold’s manoeuvres
Four grips to find lie, presentation, position and engagement.
Source: Standard obstetric teachingGrips
| 1. Fundal | Facing her head: what is in the fundus? Breech = soft, irregular; head = hard, round, ballotable. |
|---|---|
| 2. Lateral | One hand steadies, other palpates: smooth firm back vs knobbly limbs → position. |
| 3. Pawlik’s | Thumb and fingers grasp lower pole above symphysis: presenting part, ballotable? |
| 4. Pelvic | Facing her feet, slide both hands into the pelvic inlet: engagement and attitude (flexion). |
Palpation misses breech in about 30% — scan if in doubt. Harder with obesity or polyhydramnios.
A summary for trained clinicians. Always check the full guideline, the patient in front of you and your hospital's protocol. Spotted an error? Tell us.