The fetal fibronectin test detects the presence of a protein in cervical secretions, indicating the potential for premature birth. It requires a cervical swab and results are usually available within 24 hours. Treatment options may include bed rest, medication, or steroid injections to prevent premature birth.
A fetal fibronectin test is done to determine if fetal fibronectin (fFN) is present in a pregnant woman’s cervical secretions. This substance is a type of protein. If the test is positive, it means that the woman could give birth soon. It is often performed to assess the likelihood of a premature or premature birth.
Fetal fibronectin is the substance that holds the amniotic sac to the lining of the uterus. The amniotic sac protects the fetus. If fFN is present in the cervical secretions, this indicates that the sac has been disturbed. However, it is not an accurate indicator of preterm birth. On the other hand, if fFN is not evident, the expectant mother is safe to assume that she will not go into labor for at least another week.
Women planning to have a fetal fibronectin test should abstain from sexual intercourse for 24 hours. They should also let their doctors know if they experience any vaginal bleeding. If so, the fetal fibronectin test may need to be delayed. If the amniotic sac ruptures, labor is imminent and testing is no longer needed.
The fetal fibronectin test requires a cervical swab. This simple procedure is very similar to a Pap smear. The patient lies on her back and a speculum is inserted into her vagina. A doctor will then insert a cotton ball to collect a small sample of cervical material.
Sometimes, your doctor may decide to do a vaginal ultrasound after doing the fetal fibronectin test. This allows your doctor to check the length of your cervix. If the patient is close to labor, this measurement will often be lower than normal. Ultrasound is done with a thin instrument inserted into the vagina. Sound waves are sent to a monitor and converted into images for analysis.
Fetal fibronectin test results are usually available within 24 hours. These findings help the doctor make recommendations to the expectant mother. The patient may need bed rest for the remainder of the pregnancy. Sometimes, even if the fFN test results are negative, the doctor may recommend more rest, depending on the patient’s health.
To help protect the health of the fetus, the patient can take temporary medications to reduce the risk of a premature birth. These drugs are called tocolytic drugs or labor suppressants. In other cases, the doctor may administer a series of steroid injections. These shots help increase the rate at which the fetus’s lungs mature. Mothers-to-be should follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to help prevent a premature birth.
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