About Fetal Fibronectin (fFN)

Fetal fibronectin is an adhesive glycoprotein at the maternal-fetal interface. Its premature presence in vaginal secretions is a direct biochemical predictor of risk for preterm birth.

Fetal fibronectin is the "glue" at the maternal-fetal interface.

Expression of fetal fibronectin by gestational age

In a normal pregnancy, fetal fibronectin should be almost undetectable in vaginal secretions from weeks 22 to 35. Disruption of the maternal-fetal interface causes the release of fibronectin into cervical/vaginal secretions. Fetal fibronectin appearance before the normal onset of labor is an indicator of preterm birth risk, allowing you to provide the appropriate intervention.

Normal Fetal Fibronectin Expression by Gestational Age

In a normal pregnancy, fetal fibronectin should be almost undetectable in the vagina from weeks 22 to 35.

The mechanisms of preterm birth¹

Fetal fibronectin is the single, common biochemical marker for all four mechanisms of preterm birth.

Key clinical studies about fetal fibronectin

References

• 1. Lockwood CJ, Kuczynski E. Risk stratification and pathological mechanisms in preterm delivery. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol. 2001;15 Suppl 2:78-89.