North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

What do you assess in the third Leopold's maneuver?

1. The position of the fetal back

2. The location of the cephalic prominence

3. What is in the fundus?

4. The engagement of the presenting part

The correct answer is: What is in the fundus?

In the context of Leopold's maneuvers, the third maneuver specifically focuses on assessing the location of the cephalic prominence. By determining the location of the cephalic prominence, the healthcare provider can evaluate how well the fetal head is engaged in the pelvic inlet. This information is crucial for understanding the progression of labor and for making decisions about delivery management. During this maneuver, the practitioner typically uses their hands to palpate the lower abdomen to identify the fetal head's position and the nature of the presenting part. This helps in the overall assessment of fetal positioning as labor progresses, dictating the potential for a vaginal delivery or identifying when additional interventions may be needed. Understanding the significance of the cephalic prominence is essential as it can indicate whether the fetal head is flexed or extended, which directly influences the labor process.