Fetal fibronectin test

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Risks

By Mayo Clinic staff

The fetal fibronectin test is a simple procedure. The test poses no risk of miscarriage or other pregnancy complications.

However, false-positive results are common, which might cause unnecessary anxiety or treatments.

How you prepare Why it's done
References
  1. Lockwood CJ. Fetal fibronectin for prediction of preterm labor and delivery. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Jan. 31, 2013.
  2. Lockwood CJ. Overview of preterm labor and birth. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Jan. 31, 2013.
  3. Frequently asked questions. Pregnancy FAQ173. Early preterm birth. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq173.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20130215T1057545204. Accessed Feb. 15, 2013.
  4. Frequently asked questions. Pregnancy FAQ087. Preterm labor. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq087.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20130131T1258459154. Accessed Jan. 31, 2013.
  5. Sanchez-Ramos L, et al. Fetal fibronectin as a short-term predictor of preterm birth in symptomatic patients: A meta-analysis. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2009;114:631.
  6. DeFranco EA, et al. Improving the screening accuracy for preterm labor: Is the combination of fetal fibronectin and cervical length in symptomatic patients a useful predictor of preterm birth? American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. In press. Accessed Feb. 15, 2013.
  7. Berghella V. Transvaginal ultrasound assessment of the cervix and prediction of spontaneous preterm birth. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Feb. 15, 2013.
  8. Healthy pregnancy: Staying healthy and safe. The National Women's Health Information Center. http://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/you-are-pregnant/staying-healthy-safe.cfm. Accessed Feb. 15, 2013.
  9. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Your Pregnancy and Childbirth Month to Month. 5th ed. Washington, D.C.: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; 2010:363.
  10. Harms RW (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 15, 2013.
MY00128 May 10, 2013

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