Positive FFN test

[AP]

I dunno if anyones had experience with them, but today I had a FFN test and its come back positive.

The lady said she will sort an appointment with my consultant and told me this means 1 in 3 chance i will go into labour?

Has anyone got any experience with these tests?

25weekr and lottie have gave me good advice so far so im not as panicky as i was , but hey, im allowed

Is there anything I should be asking from the consultant?

 

[Foogirl]

I have no idea what this test is, or what its for....

...but surely there is a 3 in 3 chance you'll go into labour.....

...or will you stay pregnant forever

 

[nkbapbt]

For those of you who don't know what the test is : "Fetal fibronectin (fFN) is a protein produced by fetal cells and a type of fibronectin. fFN is found at the interface of the chorion and the decidua (between the fetal sack and the uterine lining).

It can be thought of as an adhesive or "biological glue" that binds the fetal sac to the uterine lining."

I haven't had one Sandi, but I do know that positive test results are always considered an inconclusive result. It can indicate that you may go into labor, but it might not be for ages...if at all!

I would assume you will be very carefully watched now. Have they thought about putting in a cerclage?

 

[AP]

hey nic :wave:
they decided against one before this because my cervix is 5cm, so bloomin good there. They checked quickly for any funnelling at 20weeks an all was well too.

I posted the same question in 3rd tri, but they dont have preemies :shrugs: ykwim?

 

[AP]

...or will you stay pregnant forever

Now theres an idea

 

[Lianne1986]

i would say becuz ur cervix is a very good measurement, u will prob get a lot further on?

i dont know.

when will ur consultant appointment be?

 

[you&me]

No advice, as I have never had an FFN, I had a specialist scan to check my risk, but thinking of you and sending big

 

[mummy3]

I had one at 33 weeks and did deliver 3 days later but my cervix had shortened and was having pains.

Its more a test to say you wont go into labour, it cant say you will. With your cervix being so long I wouldn't worry too much, hopefully you will be well monitored.

Also recent sex or bleeding can affect it I was told

 

[AP]

im holding onto that bit

 

[mummy3]

with me being on my 3rd I really don't think they believed me when I said I hadn't for the 24 hours!

 

[AP]

I had to be honest!!
She says "in the last 3 days"

"yes..."

"in the last 24 hours"

"yes....."



Goodnes show did they expect us to end up like this in the first place

 

[mummy3]

Exactly!

 

[Jkelmum]

A positive fFN result is not very predictive of preterm labor and delivery. However, a negative fFN result is highly predictive that preterm delivery will not occur within the next 2 weeks.

In other words, when the fFN test is done on a symptomatic woman who meets the qualifying conditions, a negative test result means that there is a less than 1% chance of having a premature delivery within the next 2 weeks. The doctor will also use other tests and her clinical expertise to evaluate each individual situation.

Since there are risks associated with treating a woman for premature labor (in anticipation of a premature delivery), a negative fFN can reduce unnecessary hospitalizations and drug therapies.

A positive fetal fibronectin test is less specific. It is associated with an increased risk for preterm delivery and with neonatal complications, but it will not tell a woman's doctor whether or not she will deliver early. A positive test suggests the need to monitor a symptomatic woman more closely.

when i had mine it was postive at 29wks but went on to be induced due to lack of water at 37wks ...the info above i found on a website hope it helps

 

[nkbapbt]

Sandi...did they do an internal? That too can affect the results and give false positives!

 

[AP]

Internal scan? No hunny.

The woman from the trial turned up at my door. She has spoken to my consultant and will organise a scan for me at 24 weeks to recheck cervix length, if the consultant doesnt do it, she will, so thats great.

She gave me the progestrone (or placebos, im afraid we dont know, 50/50 chance)

I feel a bit better. Nic I was on Inspire and got a few replies because I know the FFN test is more used over your way, so that helped.

Note to self, dont before these appointments At least if I hadnt we could have narrowed it down better

I'm learning a lot here about this trial and they are willing to speak to those with preemies looking to TTC again to sorta reassure them and offer the trial. Spread the word, so to speak. I guess if it doesnt help me the results and research will help those in the future.

 

[nkbapbt]

Not an internal scan...just you know..the ole' hand up the hoo haa

 

[nkbapbt]

Ok wait...maybe not a hand...but you know what I mean. LOL

 

[Tasha]

Hey sweetie, I had this done when my waters broke at 28 weeks and it was positive, I didnt have my baby until 36+6. I know that that doesnt give you loads of helpful info but thought it might help a bit.

 

[AP]

Ok wait...maybe not a hand...but you know what I mean. LOL

ho ho ho nooooo

 

[Foogirl]

Not an internal scan...just you know..the ole' hand up the hoo haa

Ok wait...maybe not a hand...but you know what I mean. LOL

Is that the technical term...