I am 31 weeks pregnant and had a positive fetal fibronectin test and am dilated

[Superman_icecream]

to 3, how long until I deliver? I am 31 weeks and 1 day pregnant and last Thursday when I was 30 weeks I went to a drs appointment where he told me that I was dilated to 3 and effaced to 50% and I was sent to the hospital. They gave me a fetal fibronectin test and the results were positive and I ended up staying there for 3 days. Not once while I was in the hospital did they check to see if I had dilated or thinned anymore and I'm not sure that it was necessary but I have still been having a lot of pain and pressure. I was given steroids to help the baby's lungs and put on a medication called procardia(which is a blood pressure med..?)to stop my contractions and haven't felt any but have had constant pain and pressure. My question is, with a positive fetal fibronectin I was told that it means that I'll be in labor within the next two weeks for sure and I'm really nervous and want to know if thats true? I really don't want to give birth early and am trying to relax and drink plenty of fluids but the pressure makes me feel like there is no way i'll b able to continue this pregnancy to term. So, just wondering if anyone else has experienced this and what the outcome was and if a positive result means I'm actually already in preterm labor and will deliver in two weeks. I'm really scared. My next doctors appointment isn't until Tuesday and I'm debating whether or not to just go back to the hospital tonight because of the pressure.

 

[whinie_p]

Usually a positive fibrinectin test indicates that you are at risk for preterm labor within two weeks. I had a positive test at 33 weeks and 5 days, and went to the hospital for my first dose of betamethasone. I was sent home, and instructed to come in the next day for my second and final dose. Well, the next day I was having contractions, and they ended up admitting me. That night my water broke and I was kept in the hospital until I delivered at 26 weeks and 4 days, almost three weeks later. The entire time I was at the hospital I was on magnesium, and I had doses of indomethasin and tributiline to stop contractions. If you are having that much pressure it NEVER hurts to go back up to the hospital. The positive test is not a 100% certainty that you will give birth within two weeks- it is just an estimate, but it is always better to be safe than sorry.

 

[Jenn]

I'm not familiar with the test they gave you, but I would call your doctor, or go to the e.r if your clinic is already closed. It's nothing to play around with especially if you are dilating. I know I don't like going because I feel like i'm making a big deal, but you aren't! Hopefully you don't go into labor, hopefully you can make it a little longer. Good luck!!!!