The four-step palpation method is a common method of prenatal checkups to determine whether or not the prenatal dew, fetal orientation and prenatal dew are articulated; and whether or not the size of the uterus is consistent with the week of gestation There are also doctors who are able to estimate the size of the fetus and the amount of amniotic fluid.
The steps are as follows:
1. The examiner stands on the right side of the pregnant woman, puts the left hand on the bottom of the uterus, measures the height of the bottom of the uterus, and determines whether the size of the fetus is consistent with the gestational cycle. Then, alternately, gently push the fingertips of both hands to determine whether the bottom of the uterus is a hard and floating spherical fetal head or a soft and irregular fetal buttock.
2. The examiner should place both hands on the right and left sides of the pregnant woman’s abdomen and press alternately. Flat and full, that is the back of the fetus, and uneven, that is the limbs of the fetus.
3. The thumb of the examiner’s right hand, separated from the other four fingers, presses downward on the pubic symphysis and holds the exposed part of the fetus. The spherical shape is the head and the irregularity is the buttocks, which rock from side to side. The fact that it can be pushed means that the exposed fetus is not connected to the pelvis.
4. The examiner faces the legs of the pregnant woman, places the left and right hands on either side of the prolapsed fetus, and presses downward along the pelvis. The hand cannot enter the entrance to the pelvis, indicating connection.