Test fFN One of the important tests that a woman should perform during pregnancy, and this test measures the amount of fetal fibronectin (fFNFetal fibronectin is a protein made during pregnancy, found between the lining of the uterus and the amniotic sac that protects your baby. Fetal fibronectin acts as a glue to attach the amniotic sac to the lining of the uterus. fFN to the fetus during pregnancy, according to the University of Rochester website.
This test may help you find out if you are at risk of preterm labor. This protein is found in the vaginal fluid and cervix during the first half of pregnancy and then disappears, only to reappear in the last month before delivery when uterine contractions increase.
Pregnancy-tests
Importance of fetal fFN test during pregnancy
You may need this test if you’re at risk of delivering your baby prematurely. Your doctor may order this test if you’re 22 to 35 weeks pregnant and have any symptoms of preterm labor. Symptoms of preterm labor include:
Pelvic pressure or spasms
– lower back pain
Uterine contractions every 10 minutes or more
Change in vaginal secretions
Thinning or dilation of the cervix
Your doctor may also order this test if you don’t have symptoms but have a history of preterm labor or if you have a short cervix.
The doctor may also order a transvaginal ultrasound if the result of a test is present fFN Positive but you don’t have signs of labour.
The results of the fFN test for the fetus during pregnancy
If you test positive but you don’t have signs of labour, you may be at risk of preterm labor. If you test positive and you have symptoms of preterm labor, your doctor will want to monitor you.
A negative test result means you are not likely to go into labor for the next two weeks.
How is this test performed?
Much like a Pap test, the test requires a sample of cervical fluid, through a speculum into the vagina and taking a swab of cervical fluid from the area just outside the cervical opening or from the back side of the vagina.