Fetal Fibronectin

Fetal fibronectin is a protein that performs two roles during pregnancy. It is produced by the placenta and acts as the glue that attaches the placenta to the uterine wall. In late pregnancy, it acts as a lubricant, aiding in the passage of the newborn through the vaginal canal. Amniotic fluid contains fetal fibronectin and when the membranes leak, can be detected in a cervicovaginal collection. This can be used as a predictor of pre-term delivery, defined as less than 37 weeks gestation.