Accuracy of Leopold maneuvers in screening for malpresentation: a prospective study

Birth. 1993 Sep;20(3):132-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1523-536x.1993.tb00437.x.

Abstract

This study describes the accuracy of Leopold maneuvers as a screening procedure for fetal malpresentation. The frequency of fetal malpresentation ranges from 15 percent at 32 weeks to 4 percent at term. We prospectively determined fetal presentation by performing Leopold maneuvers on 150 women, followed by a fetal ultrasound examination for comparison. Experienced certified nurse-midwives performed the maneuvers with high sensitivity (88%), specificity (94%), positive predictive value (74%), and negative predictive value (97%) in a population with a 17 percent frequency of fetal malpresentation. We conclude that the maneuvers used by experienced clinicians can be effective as a screening tool for fetal malpresentation, particularly in settings where ultrasound may not be readily available.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Evaluation Studies as Topic
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Labor Presentation*
  • Mass Screening / methods*
  • Nurse Midwives
  • Palpation / methods*
  • Pregnancy
  • Prospective Studies
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal*