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November is Prematurity Awareness Month and I just learned of a test that can predict a woman's risk for preterm birth -- it's called fetal fibronectin testing (fFN Test) and it's similar to getting a Pap test.
I've never been more aware of preterm birth than I am right now -- I'm in the high risk category since I'm having twins. But I'm just about 34 weeks pregnant now, so I'm in a good place. But what about others with risk factors? Who is at risk?
The March of Dimes and The Institute of Medicine offered up some factors on who is at risk for preterm birth.
- Women who have had a previous preterm birth.
- Those who are pregnant with multiple babies.
- Women with a short cervix.
- Late or no prenatal care.
- High blood pressure, diabetes, clotting disorders, being underweight before pregnancy, obesity, or other chronic health problems in the mother
- Certain infections during pregnancy.
- Domestic violence, including physical, sexual or emotional abuse
- Lack of social support and stress.
- Cigarette smoking, alcohol use, or illicit drug use during pregnancy.
The study says that the "presence of fetal fibronectin is the single strongest independent predictor of preterm birth at less than 32 weeks." And the test can be done right in a doctor's office, usually at around 22 weeks.
For more information on preterm birth, visit www.marchofdimes.com. Both patients and physicians can learn more about fetal fibronectin testing at www.fullterm.net.
Would you get tested to learn your chances of preterm birth?
Related posts:
Born at 28 Weeks: A CafeMom Preemie Story
Comments (12)
Yes, as long as it was a safe test for mother and baby. I'm sure it is, but Ihaven't done any research on it, and until I had it would be a no go.
For some reason I am late in getting prenatal care this pregnancy. Not planned (the prenatal care, pregnancy was planned) and I think I could about slap DH for the issues he's making with it.
And then...DH smokes like 2 packs a day which puts me at risk. I am very happy to say that he is quitting but since he has been smoking since he was 12...it's a long road ahead of us.
So yes...I would def. test for it.
Yeah I would.
I got tested with mine cause I went into preterm labor at 32 weeks, and they tested me and it was positive, so therefore I was on bedrest and medicine to stop labor.
SO I will def. do it again.. because chances are I will go into preterm labor again when we decide to have our 2nd.
Yes I would since I'm a mommy of a 35 week preemie baby boy.
Why? What would it CHANGE?
Well mybe not the fact of having a preemie but to be prepared and to give them the steroids to mature the lung and other things to try to help the baby before is born I think.
I wouldn't want people trying to inject steroids into my baby because I *might* go into preterm labor.
What would it change-RANA prevention. They key is keeping them in there. They don't just inject steroids you have to be in labor and they have to be unable to stop it. It's not like you get a positive test and they come at you 10 min later with steroids Doctors are well aware of the risk of steroids, they are also well aware of the risk of immature lungs...ie death, serious respiratory problems, etc. If the risk is determined early enough mom can go on bed rest or at least partial bed rest and increase her chances of a healthy baby.
Having a premie is no walk in the park so if you can prevent it do it. Mine were 32 weeks and fairly healthy but they still at almost 12 have some residual effects. I cannont imagine what the effect would have been if they had come when I started having problems at 25 weeks. Know the risk, take the test, get the drugs if needed, and follow doctor's orders, stay in bed.
I don't think detecting a mere chemical is enough to initiate steroid shots or bedrest. That was my point. I was concerned that this test would just worry women and cause doctors to take steps that could hurt a mom, when in reality, it's just an increased RISK.
I was tested with this at 32 weeks, and it was positive. Luckily I followed my instincts and did not get the steroids because I am almost 38 weeks and no sign on baby coming early. This test is a good thing, but can cause unnecesarry medical intervention...
i have gotten the test twice and i think that it would be stupid not to get it done if you have ever had a preemie. there are no risk to mother or baby so what can it harm?? i have had to preemies one at 24 weeks and one at 31 weeks. spent months and months watching both of my children try to survive so if this little test can help and give my babies a better chance at life then damn it i am getting it and yes it is safe to get the steriod shots. and it is also safer and better for the baby if the mother gets them while still pregnant with the baby, there are more risk if the baby gets them after they are born. i think some of you ladies need to really study up on what preemies go through and there risk and what can happen to them later in life just because they were born early. education is the key!! and no i did not get the test done when i had both of my preemies, wish that i would have!!