Test for women at risk of pre-term birth

Women who are at risk of premature births can now be tested during pregnancy to check for signs of early labour.

Prematurity affects 1 in 13 live births in England and Wales, with infant mortality rates at 46 per cent.

The Fetal Fibronectin Test (fFN Test) is a test that can be taken measuring the amount of fetal Fibronectin in a woman’s vagina.

This is a glue like substance a woman’s body produces to help secure the membranes around the fetus to the uterus.

At the 35 week mark, this amount starts to increase as the body is preparing to give birth.

Large amount found earlier in the pregnancy would suggest an imminent premature birth.

For more information, visit: www.ffntest.com