This examination is also known as Antenatal Examination. It is related to gravid state of uterus.
It involves observation of the size of uterus, shape of uterus, linea nigra and striae gravidarum. After 28 weeks it is used to determine lie, presentation, position of the fetal head and auscultation of fetal heart sound.
Methods of Abdominal Examination
It is done by three methods-
- Palpation (Measurement of Fundal height and Obstetrical grip or Leopold maneuver)
- Auscultation (FHR)
Articles/Equipment’s for procedure
- Inch Tap
- Draping sheet
- Pen and paper
- Stethoscope/ Fetoscope
This examination is performed by naked eyes without touching hands to the mother. This assessment is related to the followings :
- Size of uterus-Size should be corresponds with period of gestation (multiple pregnancy, or polyhydramnios will enlarge both the length and width of the uterus, where as a large baby increase only the length ).
- Contour of abdomen-Spherical/ cylindrical
- Shape of uterus -note the uterus is ovoid /longitudinal/ oblique in shape.
- Fetal movement– It is the evidence of fetal life.
- Skin changes – Any stretch marks are observed. Linea nigra, Striae gravidarum may be seen.
Before doing palpation examiner must clean the hands and make it warm (cold hands tends to induce contraction of the abdominal and uterine muscle and mother get discomfort). Finger pad should be used for examination instead of finger tips.
- It involve the the measurement of Symphysis Fundal Height
- Measurement of Abdominal Girth
- Palpation of Obstetric Grip
Auscultation is listening to the internal sounds of the body, usually using a Stethoscope. See More Details…