Pregnant life really is a whirlwind! Many special cares and preparations begin as soon as your period is late and the pregnancy test is positive. From then on, the new prenatal routine begins and many tests can be requested for pregnancy monitoring, and one of them that is quite specific is the fetal fibronectin test.

Importance of Prenatal Care

There’s a lot to plan and prepare for the arrival, but nothing can be overlooked, everything is very important and essential, especially prenatal care. It may be the only thing capable of ensuring a healthy pregnancy, a smooth journey, and a delivery at the right time without complications.During prenatal care, your doctor will order a battery of tests to analyze and guarantee the wellbeing of both mother and baby, and also to diagnose and treat any issues that may arise during pregnancy, like preventing premature deliveries, for example. One test that identifies a risk of prematurity is the Fetal Fibronectin Test.

What is Fetal Fibronectin?

Fetal fibronectin is a protein produced by the amniotic sac during pregnancy. Its function is to keep the embryo attached inside the amniotic sac to the uterus. This protein is present in vaginal content until the 21st week of pregnancy, and should only be detected again after the 35th week. The Fetal Fibronectin Test is performed during this interval, and if the protein is detected, it means there is a high probability of a preterm birth.It’s important to know that if the test is positive, it is not a certainty that you will have a preterm birth, it just means there is a high possibility. At this time your doctor may prescribe medications to prolong the pregnancy as much as possible and strengthen the baby so that everything goes well at birth, even if it happens before the expected date.If the result is negative, this means that the pregnant woman has a lower chance of going into labor at least for the next 7 to 15 days after the test is done. So it’s really all about good medical follow-up to ensure the baby’s health.

When to Have the Fetal Fibronectin Test

Having a preterm birth is one of the fears that haunt most pregnant women. It’s the concern with the baby’s health together with the expectation of a peaceful and happy labor that often takes away soon-to-be moms’ sleep.That’s why, to make sure everything goes as well as possible, you should follow your prenatal care properly and share all your doubts, concerns, and fears with your obstetrician. They will help you understand each moment.Be alert for symptoms that deserve more attention, and your doctor will ask for a series of tests that may indicate the need for any treatment or medication you or your baby might need.

Indications for the Fetal Fibronectin Test

The Fetal Fibronectin Test is one of the tests your obstetrician can request, especially if there are any of the following symptoms indicating possible preterm birth:

  • Previous spontaneous preterm birth (in this case, even if there were no symptoms in this pregnancy)
  • Persistent uterine contractions between the 22nd and 35th week of pregnancy
  • Shortening or dilation of the cervix
  • Multiple pregnancy

There are other risk factors that may also suggest the possibility of preterm birth. Check with your doctor and follow all recommendations. With close monitoring and the right care, everything will be fine!

How the Fetal Fibronectin Test is Performed

The fetal fibronectin test is very simple and safe. It’s similar to the old familiar female exam, the Pap smear. The test is painless and the results are ready very quickly. The procedure is very simple: a kind of swab is inserted into the vagina to collect a sample of cervicovaginal secretion.

Reading the Result

If fibronectin is found and you are between the 22nd and 35th week of pregnancy, the result is positive. This indicates a chance of preterm birth. If fibronectin is not present, it means it’s very unlikely that you will have a preterm birth in the next 10 days.In short, this test is really important to help treat and prevent preterm birth, but like any other test, it is not a guarantee of whether you will or won’t give birth before the due date.Therefore, if you are following all your doctor’s recommendations, doing your prenatal check-ups correctly and taking medications when prescribed, the best thing to do is relax, stay calm, and keep going confidently — everything will go as well as possible and you and your baby will be ready for the big moment.

The Importance of Prenatal Tests

Throughout the nine months of pregnancy it will be necessary to perform a battery of tests so the doctor can assess the baby’s development, the mother’s clinical condition, and ensure that both mother and baby are doing fine and everything is going as planned. That’s why prenatal tests are extremely important—each one has its own purpose and the right time to perform it.

First Prenatal Tests

Right at the first visit to the obstetrician you will be asked to do most tests like complete blood count, blood sugar, and Rh factor, which are to evaluate the mother’s blood components and prescribe any medication if necessary.Tests are also ordered to identify, through serology, the presence of HIV and VDRL, Toxoplasmosis, Rubella, and Hepatitis B and C, which are diseases harmful to the baby. If they’re diagnosed as early as possible, treatment will be more effective, along with other simpler tests like the stool test and the urine test, but which are equally important and accurate for detecting any issues with the mother’s health.

Ultrasound Test

Another test that’s ever-present throughout pregnancy—and especially awaited and adored by expectant mothers—is ultrasound, which gives you images from inside the tummy and, up until now, is the only way to see the baby, who is well hidden in there.Ultrasound is essential for monitoring the baby’s development and it’s recommended to have it at least four times throughout the pregnancy. Many moms would have an ultrasound every week if they could, right? But it’s not necessary to repeat the exam so often, unless your doctor asks you to.Well, these are some important tests, but each case is different, and every pregnancy is unique and deserves careful and special attention. Trust your doctor and do all the tests they request, and remember how important each one is.If you follow all your doctor’s recommendations faithfully, you’ll be taking very good care of your baby and fulfilling your first roles as a mother. Take a deep breath because it’s just the beginning, but know that all this will be worth it and that the rewards of motherhood are much more gratifying. Good luck!Also See: Fetal Biophysical Profile: What For? Photos: louda2455, NaraPandora