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Knowing if you are at high risk for preterm
birth is important to both you and your baby. The fFN
test helps determine your risk of delivering too early.
Fetal fibronectin is a protein that acts as a “glue”
to hold the baby in place during the critical time of
the baby’s development. Towards the end of pregnancy,
fFN leaks (the “glue” begins to break down)
into the vagina, which is a sign that delivery may be
near. Testing for fFN is a very simple and safe procedure.
Your doctor or nurse-midwife will use a special swab
(similar to a Q-tip®) to collect a small amount
of secretion from the vaginal area. A negative fFN test
result means that you are at lower risk of delivering
prematurely. A positive fFN test result means that you
have an increased risk of delivering prematurely.
You should have the fFN test between your
22nd week and 35th week of pregnancy. If the test shows
that you are a low risk patient, you can feel confident
and assured.
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