Preterm

heatherperkins14

Hi all. 31 + 2 FTM. so nervous! Yesterday I went to the bathroom at lunch and noticed a small amount of brown discharge. I was also feeling a little more pressure down low than normal so I called my OB and they wanted to see me. They did a fetal fibronectin test which gives a good indication if you will be going into labor within the next two weeks. After that, she checked my cervix and I am already 80% effaced and 1-2cm dilated. She took me out of work and put me on bed rest. Of course, my priority is the safety of my little one but immediate panic struck me as I still need to buy things and was counting on the income until I was full term. Anyway, they sent me to the hospital for a non stress test and the baby is doing great.  they gave me a shot of betamethasone to help develop the baby's lungs in case I don't make it to term. The doctor doesn't feel confident that I will. Today, I go back in to recheck everything they did yesterday and get another shot. Im praying the fetal fibronectin comes back negative so he can cook longer. Prayers, advice, and encouragement much appreciated. Thanks. 

cassieleeanne

Good luck keep us updated and how things go, prayers your way..........

sjo_thetwins

The FFN coming back positive isn't a good indicator that labor will happen soon, but it coming back negative is a great indicator that it definitely isn't being predicted to start. So take your results with that test with a grain of salt. I've been dilated 2cm since 24w, went into active labor, and I'm now 30+4 (with twins) and still holding on. The doctors are really good at stopping labor while you are preterm unless there is a medical need to deliver. Try to stay calm and let them do their job, and just take it easy. 

heatherperkins14

sjo_thetwins said:

The FFN coming back positive isn't a good indicator that labor will happen soon, but it coming back negative is a great indicator that it definitely isn't being predicted to start. So take your results with that test with a grain of salt. I've been dilated 2cm since 24w, went into active labor, and I'm now 30+4 (with twins) and still holding on. The doctors are really good at stopping labor while you are preterm unless there is a medical need to deliver. Try to stay calm and let them do their job, and just take it easy. 

Thank you! That is very encouraging! I hope you keep your little ones in as long as possible too. 

Schell2013

I had preterm with my second baby. My FFN came came back positive and I still carried to term. So a positive isn't always a guarantee that baby is coming soon. Good luck! 

PCOSbaby

I have had the FFN but I've been 3cm dialated and 80% effaced for 3.5 weeks...with a bulging membrane. I'm currently 32+3. 

I said aid that to say, there's a possibility that you can still carry your baby to term so don't give up hope!

I will say that although bed rest is hard, it is worth it in the end. At least that's what I keep telling myself! I've been on bed rest for 10 weeks and I honestly believe that is the only reason I'm still pregnant. 

Take it it easy and keep us posted! {Insert creepy internet hugs}

heatherperkins14

Thanks all. Trying to stay positive here. Just found out my FFN came back positive too. You all have given me hope that my babe can stay in for a bit longer. Just time to get all preparations made in case

waterfall213

Thinking of you and baby! I hope he stays put awhile longer!