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Pregnancy Tests -
Baby
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Fetal Fibronectin Test.
I've heard about a test that can help predict if a woman will go into labor early. What is it?
The test you are referring to is the fetal fibronectin (fFN) test. fFN is a protein found in the amniotic sac and fetal membranes during the first 22 weeks of pregnancy. If a physician believes a woman is going into premature labor, he or she can test the woman's cervical-vaginal secretions; if fFN is present after 22 weeks, it indicates increased risk for preterm delivery. If it is absent, the risk is low and the woman probably won't deliver in the next 2 weeks.
How is the fFN test performed?
It is performed like a Pap smear. Your doctor takes a swab of cervical-vaginal secretions from the top of the vagina, behind the cervix. Results are available from the lab within 24 hours.
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