Tests during pregnancy - Fetal-Fibronectin-Test-(fFN)- Pregnancy forum

Fetal Fibronectin Test
During fetal fibronectin (fFN) testing, a cervical or vaginal fluid sample is collected and analyzed for fFN. fFN is a glycoprotein found at the boundary between the amniotic sac and the lining of the uterus. If a woman is experiencing symptoms of preterm labor and is 26 to 34 weeks pregnant, her doctor will order the fFN test. High levels indicate an increased risk of preterm delivery. If the results come back high measures can be taken to delay birth and to help better prepare the baby for birth. This is because pre-term babies can have potentially serious health complications. The fetal fibronectin (fFN) test can't tell you for sure that you are in labor, but it can tell you that you're not. A negative result on the fFN test means it's highly unlikely that you'll give birth within the next two weeks. A positive result, on the other hand, is not as useful. It means you're at a higher risk of giving birth early, but it doesn't guarantee that you're about to give birth or that you'll deliver early at all. If you're having symptoms of preterm labor, your practitioner may also order an ultrasound to see if your cervix is effacing (thinning out). During true labor, the cervix effaces and dilates (opens) so your baby can come out. If your cervix doesn't appear to be changing, it's another sign that you're not in labor.

For the test, your doctor will insert a speculum in your vagina and take a sample of your cervical and vaginal secretions. You'll feel no more discomfort than you do when you get a Pap smear. If you have had sex or used lubricants within the last 24 hours, tell your doctor-this may cause a false-positive. When lab technicians analyze your sample, they measure the amount of fetal fibronectin (fFN), a protein produced by the fetal membranes. This protein serves as the "glue" that attaches the fetal sac to the uterine lining. It's normally found in increased amounts in your vagina during the first half of pregnancy and again late in pregnancy as you near labor. But if fFN leaks from the uterus and more than a small amount shows up in the vagina too early (between 22 and 34 weeks), it may mean that the glue is disintegrating ahead of schedule because of contractions or an injury to the membranes. If this happens, your risk of going into labor and giving birth prematurely is significantly higher. More important, if no fetal fibronectin is found in your sample, it means your risk of giving birth in the next two weeks is very small. You should expect to see test results within a day or two, or within several hours if you're taking the rapid version of the test.

Comments: Tests during pregnancy - Fetal-Fibronectin-Test-(fFN)

Comments 1 to 18 of about 18.
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TNMom - 86 days ago.
Yay! My test came back negative!

TNMom - 89 days ago.
Had this done today. OUCH! It IS more uncomfortable than a PAP smear as it is done without lubricant to get an accurate test. I'm only 22 wk 3 ds, but my doc wanted to be sure. I've been really crampy, lots of pelvic pressure and low back pain. My cervix is soft and fingertip dilated, but the dilation is normal for someone who is on their 4th pregnancy. Hopefully it will come back with good news.

NumberFive - 165 days ago.
i had this done last night

kristins-blessed - 165 days ago.
I have had this test done since I was 26 weeks along. I had my son that is 4 at 34 weeks and my doctor is being Very cautious. I have had negative results for all of them so far. I go back on May 6th for another and up until I am 34 weeks so one more after that. I am 31 1/2 weeks as of now. I just really hope my baby stays in until she is fully developed. The NICU was hard emotionally. All turned out OK though! Thank Goodness.

keri7317 - 216 days ago.
I was having bad contractions, about a little over a week ago that dilated me to 2 cm, while I was in triage. The doctor ordered the test, and I sat up in the hospital for 4 hours wondering what was going on. I finally demanded on going home, for the doctor to inform me that they used the wrong swab and the test was inconclusive. So I went home, and 3 days later I was admitted to the hospital at 4 cm, and I am on strict hospital bedrest....so I am kinda against this...but I am sure every situation is different.

keri7317 - 216 days ago.
I was having bad contractions, about a little over a week ago that dilated me to 2 cm, while I was in triage. The doctor ordered the test, and I sat up in the hospital for 4 hours wondering what was going on. I finally demanded on going home, for the doctor to inform me that they used the wrong swab and the test was inconclusive. So I went home, and 3 days later I was admitted to the hospital at 4 cm, and I am on strict hospital bedrest....so I am kinda against this...but I am sure every situation is different.

pamallhoney - 239 days ago.
I had the fFN test done today because I have been experiencing contractions for the last 4 days. I am pregnant with twin boys. The test came back negative. So I was told to go home and rest, but to come back in if they continue to come. I am currently 24 weeks pregnant. What a great test. I had never heard of it until today.

SchoppeSweetheart - 242 days ago.
I have had 3 or 4 FFN tests, can't remember... I got the first bill in for one of them yesterday and after my insurance only paid 94.00$ for it, I owe like 284.00$!!! Sometimes I wonder the point of having insurance... those tests are expensive!!!!! Luckily so far they have all come out to be neg. and I would rather be paying the money now than to jeopardize my baby's health and pay more for a long NICU stay.... but still... it's a lot of $!

branbug - 249 days ago.
Hi I am 27 wks + 3 day's. I have to go and get the FFN test today. I am a little nervous but hopeful everything is fine. THey checked me on tues and there is no change in my cervix, no dialation and no efacement. Their reasoning for doing it i think is just as a precaution BC i have been experiencing quite a few of the BH and they have been a little painful and uncomfortable. I will fill you all in after!

sherrybabydean - 287 days ago.
I had a + FFN Test on Nov.22 and delivered my son on Dec.14. He was 8 weeks early.

Texasmomma - 299 days ago.
I am 28 weeks pregnant and went in yesterday for my monthly check up. I am high risk due to my other pregnancy's so I have been somewhat watched carefully. This is my 6 pregnancy and I have 4 other children and lost one.I have been havein contrations for days in and days out. I had this test done in her office yesterday and then sent over to the Hospital to be monotored. I was havein contractions but not regular ones The test came back neg.. Thank god I dont want this baby to come out right now.. It is way too soon and They will repeat the test in 10 days..

doublethejoy2lilboys - 299 days ago.
i had a fFN test today. i am having twins. i am almost 26 weeks. it came back negative! wahoo...it only took a few hours for me to hear back from the doctor's office...

rizky - 306 days ago.
Im 34 weeks and I just took my fFN today and I tested negative. Does anyone know if the negatives are always correct?

janayan - 317 days ago.
I had the test done at 25 weeks 5 days pregnant and it was positive. They also discovered that I was 3 cm dilated. Here I am in the hospital on bedrest almost 28 weeks pregnant now. The crazy thing is I feel fine - not at all like something is wrong or I'm about to have my baby 3 months early! I've had painless contractions that I didn't realize were contractions and I am on contraction taming medications. I also had steroid injections. The high risk pregnancy specialist said I will likely deliver in the next 1-3 weeks. I'm 26 and had no risk factors for pre term labor.

sherrybabydean - 321 days ago.
I had a positive fetal-fibronectin test.I battled labor contractions for four days!Here I am still pregnant,but I don't think I'll make it much longer.They think I will go into labor again within the next two weeks.I am 30 weeks pregnant.

elizabethk - 389 days ago.
i had the test done on monday and then i went to the er tuesday i go back to the doctor today and next monday if i am still having contractions i will have another test done on monday they are just going to continue to watch me closely

Kennedysmommie - 418 days ago.
I had the test done last night. I am 24 weeks and was having some painless contractions. It came back negative. It didn't hurt. getting your cervix checked hurts more

skmommyof3 - 423 days ago.
I have to have this test done in 4 weeks. My first baby came at 25 1/2 weeks. My second baby was 4 days overdue. This is a good test. has anyone had this test done before?