Frequently Asked Questions About FullTerm™,
The Fetal Fibronectin Test
FullTerm, The Fetal Fibronectin Test, is a safe, simple and non-invasive test that can help you and your doctor determine if your body may be preparing to give birth early. This knowledge can make all the difference for you and your baby. If you're concerned about your risks for premature birth, talk to your doctor, and be sure to ask about FullTerm, The Fetal Fibronectin Test, and whether it may be right for you.
FullTerm, The Fetal Fibronectin Test, is a safe, simple and non-invasive test that measures whether fetal fibronectin is leaking from your uterus. Fetal fibronectin is a "glue-like" protein your body produces to help hold your baby in place. A positive test result could indicate that your body is preparing to give birth. A negative test result can give you reassurance that your chances are less than 1% of giving birth in the next two weeks.1
A small percentage of women who get the test will get a positive result, indicating that your body is "leaking" fetal fibronectin. This means that there is an increased chance that your baby could arrive early, and signals to you and your doctor that you may need extra attention. It is important to note that not everyone with a positive test result delivers early.
A negative test result, on the other hand, can give you great "peace of mind". 99.2% of women with symptoms of preterm birth who have a negative fetal fibronectin test result will not deliver their baby within the next 14 days.1
FullTerm, The Fetal Fibronectin Test, is a simple test — similar to a Pap test — that is given by your doctor or nurse-midwife in his or her office and sent to a laboratory for a result. It has no side effects for you or your baby.
The test can be performed from weeks 22 to 35 of gestation. This is the timeframe in pregnancy when fetal fibronectin should be almost undetectable.
Yes. In addition, it has been studied by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and is supported by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). It is currently used in more than 80% of U.S. obstetric teaching hospitals.
No, the test is non-invasive, and there are no related side effects for you or your baby.
Yes. You and your doctor can decide to repeat the test as often as two weeks during the period from weeks 22 to 35 of gestation.
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