fFN test

What the.....?!?!?

That would be the quote of the day yesterday.  First from my OB, then from me and family and then from all our friends.  So here goes what I can remember and where we will be going from here.

Last week I have my usual 32 week OB appointment to check blood, weight, etc.  She had asked if I had been having any Braxton Hicks or cramping, and I had been all week but nothing uncomfortable or anything.  She decided to do an exam to check my cervix and then did this fFN test (similar to a pap smear).  After it was over she said everything looked wonderful, that there was no change and she'd see me in a few weeks....ha!

What Is Fetal Fibronectin (fFN)?

Fetal fibronectin (also known as fFN) is a “glue-like” protein that bonds your developing baby to your uterus. Fetal fibronectin is detectable in vaginal secretions in the very beginning of pregnancy, when this bond is first forming, and then again at the end of pregnancy, when your body is getting ready to deliver your baby.  After the 35th week of pregnancy, it begins to break down naturally, and is detectable. If your body is getting ready to give birth prematurely, fFN may be detected before week 35.

What a Positive Test Result Means

A positive test result means your body is leaking fetal fibronectin, a sign that your body may be getting ready to deliver.  There is an increased chance that your baby is going to arrive early — but not everyone with a positive test result delivers early. The test can be repeated as often as every two weeks to monitor your ongoing risk.

This was taken off the internet - I've highlighted what they have done and are planning to do for Cohen:

Developing a plan of action

Knowing this information will help you and your doctor prepare for a possible preterm birth, and take appropriate steps to help manage your pregnancy.

Depending on what week of pregnancy you are in, some recommendations your doctor may suggest include:

• Limiting activities 
• Reducing stress
• Bed rest
• Finding and treating any undiagnosed infection(s)
• Watching for cervical changes that would signal onset of labor
• Consulting with a high-risk pregnancy specialist
• Tocolytic drugs, which are used to alleviate preterm contractions
• Corticosteroids, which may aid in your baby's lung development
• Monitoring for other symptoms that may be indicative of preterm labor
• Additional intervention if and when preterm labor begins

Monday (8/13) during a break in summer band the triage nurse from the hospital called and said this fFN test had come back positive.  She and my OB were both shocked and ordered me to the hospital within the hour.  I know nurses have to keep us fully informed, but I was an absolute MESS after hearing these phrases:  steroids for lung development, possible bed rest for 6 weeks, possible hospital stay for 2 weeks, bring enough things to the hospital in case we don't let you out, etc.  My students and another director got to see the tearful hysteria...before I headed home to get my bags.

We got here and immediately were put on monitors and given our first of two steroid shots.

Here is a picture of one of my contractions (I didn't know I was having them, but sure enough!)  I haven't had any more since Monday afternoon - I also haven't moved out of this dang hospital bed, either!

L&D memories... Room number 2253 at Centennial in Frisco: Meagan, Kerry and Brandi are our fabulous nurses

We saw the high risk doctor and my OB who said for now everything looks great.  Ultrasound sound revealed:

-Cohen is measuring 4 pounds 12 oz (big boy!)  This is 61% on weight.  They didn't have a way to measure the length but neither doctor was concerned since Patrick and I are both tall (or taller).
-Cervix length was 46 mm
-Cohen's Heart-rate was in the 120-130 range, a bit low for him, but I haven't really been doing anything all day.

Here are a couple of our catered meals ;-) Grilled cheese for dinner and eggs for breakfast this morning.  Guess Patrick's going to have to make dinner for me now!!

We are waiting on the second shot and the second round of doctors visits this afternoon and evening.  If we get the all clear, it looks like I'll be home bound for the week until my appointment next Monday.  If everything looks good then, I might be able to go to work again!

Fingers crossed that the steroids help his lungs, that we make it another 9 days until 34 weeks, and that Cohen stays put until he's supposed to make his arrival!

I'll update when we know more.   Thanks for your thoughts and prayers!