About this topic
Fetal fibronectin, or fFN, is a protein made by fetal cells during pregnancy. fFN acts as a glue to hold the the sac with your unborn baby to the lining of your womb. This is your uterus. It is normal to find fFN in cervical discharge for the first 22 weeks when pregnant. But, seeing more than just a little fFN in the outer cervix after weeks 22 to 34 may mean that this glue is breaking down before it should. If there are signs of labor, a fetal fibronectin test may be done to see how much fFN is in the discharge. ‚
If fFN is not found, the time you are pregnant is likely to last at least 2 more weeks. This most likely means that you do not have a chance for premature birth at this time. ‚
If fFN is found, and you have signs of having the baby, your doctor will decide what steps to take. ‚
Why is this procedure done?
- Help diagnose premature labor in women with signs of premature labor
- Decide if there is a chance of premature labor in women who have already had a premature delivery
- Predict the chance of premature labor in women with a short cervix
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) suggests use of this test when all of these are met: ‚
- Test is done during the 24th and 37th weeks of pregnancy
- Water has not broken
- Cervix is not very dilated
What happens before the procedure?
You should not have sex for 24 hours before the test. The test may be put off if you have vaginal bleeding and may not be done at all if your water breaks. ‚
What happens during the procedure?
During a pelvic exam, your doctor will wipe your birth canal for discharge. Results should be ready within 24 hours. You may also have a pelvic ultrasound which can help find out the length of your cervix. Tell your doctor if you have had sex or used lubricants, or gels, within 24 hours of this test as both can change the results. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
If you have signs of premature labor, your doctor may order bedrest. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
If the test shows no signs of fFN, your doctor will talk to you about plans and future follow-up. This can help to keep you from being put on bedrest or taking drugs. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help put off or stop labor
- Help your babys lungs mature
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Contractions. This is when the womb tightens during labor.
- Lower backache
- Pain or pressure in the pelvis
- Loose stools
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Watery discharge
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/ffn ‚
March of Dimes ‚
http://www.marchofdimes.com/pregnancy/pretermlabor_fetalfibronectin.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚