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By Mayo Clinic staffThe fetal fibronectin test is used to rule out preterm labor. It's generally not useful for women who are at low risk of preterm labor, but it can provide valuable information for women who have signs or symptoms of preterm labor or those who are at high risk of preterm labor.
If the fetal fibronectin test is positive, your health care provider will take steps to address premature birth — such as prescribing medication to enhance the baby's lung maturity. If the fetal fibronectin test is negative, you can be assured that your pregnancy is likely to continue for at least another week.
References
- Lockwood CJ. Fetal fibronectin for prediction of preterm labor and delivery. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Jan. 31, 2013.
- Lockwood CJ. Overview of preterm labor and birth. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Jan. 31, 2013.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Berghella V. Transvaginal ultrasound assessment of the cervix and prediction of spontaneous preterm birth. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Feb. 15, 2013.
- 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.
- 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.
- Harms RW (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 15, 2013.
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