What does fetal fibronectin (fFN) indicate in a pregnant patient?

Fetal fibronectin (fFN) is a glycoprotein that plays a significant role in maintaining the adhesion of the fetal membranes to the maternal decidua. The presence of fFN in cervical or vaginal secretions during the late second or early third trimester can be indicative of potential preterm labor. Specifically, elevated levels of fFN are associated with an increased risk of preterm birth within the next 7 to 14 days. As such, it serves as a valuable diagnostic tool for healthcare providers to assess the risk of preterm labor in pregnant patients.

The other options focus on different aspects of pregnancy monitoring. High blood pressure relates to hypertension disorders, which are assessed through other monitoring techniques rather than fFN. While fetal abnormalities require different diagnostic methods, such as ultrasound or genetic testing, uterine contractions are typically evaluated through clinical assessment and tools like tocodynamometry rather than through fFN measurement. These factors highlight why the role of fFN in indicating preterm labor risk is both critical and specific.