Negative FFN - Modified Bedrest?

[New_Wife]

I was admitted to the hospital last night for regular contractions (every 2-3 minutes). I was dilated 1-2 cm, 50% effaced, with baby at -3 station. I was given a fetal fibronectin test that came back negative
Despite that, the nurses and doctors had a heck of a time calming my contractions. Fluids made them worse, they actually got so bad my uterus wasn't relaxing between them..so they tried three pills of Procardia. These just accelerated my and my baby's hearbeats and caused me to shake uncontrollably. At this point, contractions were bringing me to tears because I couldn't stay on top of them with the shaking - and one of my round ligaments was REALLY acting up Finally they gave me a shot of terbutaline. Instant relief. I knew I'd been having lots of contractions the last few weeks but it wasn't until I had this shot that I realized my I hadn't felt my uterus that relaxed in a very long time. I could actually pee properly again! The reason I went in this time but not any of the others was because the contractions were causing hot flashes and nausea and I just felt very out of it.
Even though the FFN test was negative, my doctor has put me on modified bed rest and complete pelvic rest until I am term. I am allowed to attend my one night class a week but other than that, I am supposed to stay very lazy. The only contractions I have had today have been after being on my feet, even for a short period of time (trip to the doctor, cooked dinner). Bad sign? She told me the FFN was very reliable for two weeks - has anyone gone into labor despite a negative FFN? If the FFN was negative and 95% reliable, what is the bedrest for if the contractions don't cause significant change? She checked me again after over an hour of the very intense contractions and nothing had changed so its very likely that the cervical changes I've had have occurred slowly over time.

 

[peacebaby]

Hi there

Sorry I dont know about the statistics of the FFN test but I have read that it is very reliable for 2 weeks.

I've had a similar scare this week with a massive bleed and 1cm dilation, baby at -2 station. My cervix also seems to have been moving and changing over time. Very scary indeed! I think the bedrest helps to keep pressure off the cervix and to stabilise it. I've also read that keeping very well hydrated is one way to keep the uterus relaxed.

Wishing you all the best, I hope things settle down for you. I know the anxiety you must be feeling. Many ladies have had good outcomes with modified bedrest, so fingers crossed for both of us.