fFN Test question

What would cause a doctor to run an fFN test? For those who have had them were the results accurate?

Dianna

 

They usually run them if you are having leakage. They did this when I didn't know if it was amniotic fluid or just had been leaking a little pee. Anyway, from everything I have heard they are very accurate. They just swab in there and see if there are any traces of amniotic fluid. Luckily in my case, I was just waiting too long to go to the bathroom.

 

Thanks

Dianna

 

They will do them when there is PTL. I did not have any leakage and they did the test on me to see if I was likely to go in "real" labor in the next 7-10 days. Mine was negative and I ended up in real labor 17 days later

 

I had it done when I was admitted to hospital at 27 weeks due to a minor bleed. Had no contractions or leakage that was noticeable, but they gave me the steroids anyway and did the ffn test to see what to expect. It was negative. And I am still pregnant 11 weeks later

 

An fFN test is given if there are signs of an early delivery (PTL, contractions, thin cervix, etc.). Fetal Fibronectin is a protein that can be found in the discharge of pregnant women. If there are signs of this protein in the vaginal secretions, then it could be a sign that labor is going to be happening soon (within the next two weeks). A negative test is very accurate; the lack of protein suggests that you WILL not go into labor soon. A positive result is less reliable and does not indicate that you will go into labor. However, doctors may take more precautions with a positive test result.

I had a positive fFN test at 28 weeks, so my doctor put me back on hospital bedrest. I did not deliver until my 34th week.

 

Thank you all for your input on this. Interesting to see how each did with the test and when you went into labor.

Dianna

 

I am having them done every 2 weeks. Last one was neg and so far so good. My OB likes the heads up with the higher risk mommas.

 

QUOTE(Appymomma @ Feb 12 2008, 08:00 PM) [snapback]618815[/snapback]
I am having them done every 2 weeks. Last one was neg and so far so good. My OB likes the heads up with the higher risk mommas.

When did you start having them done?

Dianna

 

I had mine done at 33 weeks for PTL and tested negative. While I was still on hosptial bedrest, I made it to 35 weeks, 4 days until I delivered (thanks to the help of mag). I started contracting pretty heavily towards the end.

 

QUOTE(Dianna @ Feb 12 2008, 07:20 PM) [snapback]618859[/snapback]
When did you start having them done?

Dianna



Last week at 28wks

 

Any time I was having PTL signs they'd run one- and all I can tell you is they hurt like the dickens!!!!! I'll be hoping your babies stay nice and content and don't give you any reason to have one done!!!

 

Yes, they are a bit uncomfortable to get, like a pap smear (can sting). I started getting them at 24 weeks.

 

They will do it if they suspect PTL. And my hospital will take the culture on just about anyone who gos into Triage, but then the on call doctor usually makes the call on if they run it. I've had 2 done, and how uncomfortable it is really depends on the nurse doing it! The first one was ok. Not the most comfortable, but the nurse was skilled. The second time - wow. That was REALLY bad pain! When she inserted the speculum I thought she was ripping me! That was also the nurse who couldn't find my cervix and had to have another nurse come to find it. :angry:

Anyway, my doctor said a negative test is VERY accurate, like 99.5% accurate.

 

My Dr's said exactly what Kate said. Negative results are very accurate and +'s only about 40%. So if it is +, they just use more precaution. I had my 1st at 24 weeks, my 2nd is tomorrow (Ugh!!) and will continue every 2 weeks. Oh well, guess the uncomfortable is worth thepeace of mind of a negative result. Good luck!

 

Yes, it is uncomfortable. I thought it helped that the nurse did a countdown so I knew how much longer and I did some slow paced breathing. One thing I can say is that it was much better than the HSG I had done before we got preggo!

 

QUOTE(Appymomma @ Feb 13 2008, 08:28 AM) [snapback]619435[/snapback]
Yes, it is uncomfortable. I thought it helped that the nurse did a countdown so I knew how much longer and I did some slow paced breathing. One thing I can say is that it was much better than the HSG I had done before we got preggo!


I agree! My HSG was super painful - the worst pain I've ever had! But I think the guy was not gentle and didn't do it exactly right.

 

Sorry to hear so many of you had painful ones. *hugs*

Dianna

 

I was hospitalized for PTL at 30 weeks with the twins and they did one at 30 weeks. Mine was negative and I carried to 34w1d.

 

It is interesting that you asked this…. I had not even heard of it until I was in L&D @ 25 weeks w/ contractions 2 min apart… they did mine and it came back neg… but that was 2 weeks ago… I think I would like to have one every 2 weeks so I could be more confident…

 

When I had my very first appointment after finding out we were pregnant, I remember my doctor telling me that towards the end of the pregnancy I'd be getting the ffn tests every two weeks. This was before we even knew I had twins, so its just standard procedure for my doctor. I ended up getting my first ffn test at 25 weeks at our first trip to labor and delivery for uncontrollable contractions. I just had my 4th test on Tuesday and got a negative again...yay

I think the tests are great. They really help me stay positive through everything.....like the bedrest and contractions.