Cervical fetal fibronectin correlates to cervical ripening

Abstract

Aim of study: It is well established that the cervical ripeness is of great prognostic value at labor induction. The available methods of measuring the cervical ripeness are not satisfactory. This study was therefore initiated to investigate if there is any correlation between cervical fetal fibronectin and cervical ripening at term.

Method: Three groups were included in this study: women with unripe cervices, women with spontaneous cervical ripening and those with PGE2-induced cervical ripening. Fetal fibronectin was measured by ELIZA after sampling from the cervical canal.

Results: The cervical fetal fibronectin was low in women with unripe cervices. In women with favorable cervices a ten fold higher level was found. The fibronectin level was even higher after PGE2-induced ripening.

Conclusion: Conclusively an increased amount of cervical fetal fibronectin is registered during the cervical ripening process. A level of > 0.80 microgram/ml of cervical fetal fibronectin seems to indicate a favorable cervix.