Physical examination in obstetrics

1. Big picture

Physical examination in obstetrics is a structured bedside assessment of the mother, uterus, fetus, cervix, membranes, pelvis, and warning signs.

It answers four practical questions:

1. Is the mother stable?
2. Is the fetus alive and well?
3. How advanced is the pregnancy or labor?
4. Is there an obstetric emergency requiring urgent action?

Core oral-exam sentence:

Obstetric physical examination begins with maternal general assessment and vital signs, then abdominal obstetric examination, fetal assessment, and pelvic/speculum or vaginal examination only when indicated and safe.

The most important exam principle:

In obstetrics, always examine the mother first, then the fetus.

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