Examining a pregnant woman involves a systematic approach to assess the health and well-being of both the mother and the developing fetus. This includes a combination of observation, palpation, and auscultation. According to the provided reference, the examination begins with looking at the patient and includes explaining the steps of the obstetric abdominal physical examination to the patient.
Steps of an Obstetric Abdominal Physical Examination
The obstetric abdominal examination consists of several key steps:
- Observation: This involves visually inspecting the abdomen for size, shape, and any visible fetal movements.
- Palpation: Using gentle pressure, the examiner assesses the fetal position, size, and presentation.
- Auscultation: Listening for the fetal heartbeat using a stethoscope or Doppler device to assess fetal well-being.
- Explanation: Throughout the examination, it's crucial to explain each step to the patient to ensure comfort and understanding.
