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What is fetal fibronectin?
Fetal fibronectin is a protein that anchors the amniotic membranes (bag of water) to the wall of the uterus (womb). When the "anchor" breaks, fibronectin leaks into the vagina, and provides a clue that you may be going into preterm labor (when the cervix softens or dilates with or without labor pains before 37 weeks).
What is the purpose of testing for fetal fibronectin?
A negative fetal fibronectin result means that your risk for preterm labor is very low. For women with no symptoms for preterm labor, a negative fetal fibronectin test provides reassurance.
The test is used much more to rule out preterm labor by finding negative fetal fibronectin than it is to look for signs of preterm labor. However, it can be used for women showing signs of preterm labor or for those who are considered to be high-risk for preterm labor. At present, this test is not routinely recommended for all pregnant women to screen for preterm labor.
How is the test performed and how do I prepare?
There are no special preparations needed for the fetal fibronectin test. The procedure is painless and only involves swabbing the vaginal and cervical area for collection of vaginal secretions.
Women symptomatic for preterm labor should be tested at 24 to 25 weeks gestation, while high risk women without symptoms can be tested as early as 22 weeks gestation and continually tested as appropriate.
What do the results mean?
A negative test result is the most reliable indicator that you will probably not go into labor in the next two weeks.
A positive test means that you have an increased risk of going into labor within the next two weeks. Your doctor will manage your case very cautiously, possibly prescribing antibiotics as well as bed rest. You will be instructed in the warning signs of preterm labor:
- Regular uterine contractions that last more than an hour
- Backache, pain, or pressure
- Stomach cramping and/or diarrhea
- Spotting or bloody discharge
- Thinning or dilation of the cervix
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