Linking fetal fibronectin to labor induction

Article

Can measuring fetal fibronectin (fFN) help predict the success of labor induction? Two studies presented at ACM tried to answer that question. In an observational study that looked at 235 women undergoing preinduction cervical ripening, 55% finally delivered vaginally, but a positive fFN (>50 ng/mL) wasn't able to signal a successful labor induction. Despite this disappointing news, women with a positive fFN did require less oxytocin and had shorter induction times.

On a more positive note, a multi-center clinical trial sponsored by the makers of the fFN test, which enrolled 875 women, suggested that a positive test did in fact predict a successful labor induction. About 43% of women with a positive reading entered active labor, compared to 17.4% who had a positive fFN with a failed induction.

Deluca S, Benson J, Vakili B, et al. Fetal fibronectin and the prediction of vaginal delivery in nulliparous women undergoing labor induction. Obstet Gynecol. 2004;103(4 suppl): 69S.

Yeast JD, Hickok D, Williams C. A positive fetal fibronectin test is associated with a reduced risk of failed induction. Obstet Gynecol. 2004;103(4 suppl):70S.

Recent Videos
Baher Mankabady, MD, highlights safety of buprenorphine against OUD in pregnancy | Image Credit: linkedin.com.
Devon Ramaeker, MD
Elizabeth Gandee, APRN-CNP, highlights gaps in women's menopause knowledge | Image Credit: wexnermedical.osu.edu
Doula highlights how postpartum care is failing new mothers | Image Credit: linkedin.com
Nicky Herrick MD; and Anushree Agarwal, MD, MBBS, highlight their study on cardiac arrhythmias in pregnancy | Image Credit: © Igor Borodin - stock.adobe.com.
Lisa Becht, MD, FACOG, sheds light on fertility awareness | Image Credit: havingbabies.com.
First US national HPV conference highlights advances in cancer prevention | Image Credit: uchealth.com.
Mitchell Creinin, MD, reports estetrol pill eases menstrual symptoms | Image Credit: health.ucdavis.edu
1 expert is featured in this series.
Susanna Mitro, PhD, reveals ethnic disparities in uterine fibroid diagnosis | Image Credit: divisionofresearch.kaiserpermanente.org.
Related Content
© 2025 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.