Can fetal fibronectin (fFn) predict labour at term?
Most Aboriginal women from remote communities, and many other Australian women living in rural and remote areas, relocate to give birth in cities, leaving behind important support networks. Fetal fibronectin (fFN) is a glycoprotein that acts like a “glue” to help hold the fetus in utero. Testing for fetal fibronectin (fFN) is currently used to predict the onset of preterm labour and has rarely been used to predict the onset of term labour. This pilot study aims to investigate the accuracy of fFN in predicting the onset of term labour within seven days, which may assist women in rural and remote areas to remain in their communities for as long as possible before giving birth. The study also aims to investigate women’s views and experiences about the test. The study may be used to inform the development of a larger study, potentially a clinical trial, evaluating the test as a predictor of labour at term in remote settings, to inform decision-making about relocation to major cities for birthing. The study is currently being conducted in Nhulunbuy and Alice Springs in the NT.
Research Team:
Kildea S., Rumbold A., Kruske S., Boyle J.
Collaborators
Dr Tamsin Cockayne, Medical Director, Gove District Hospital
Ms Sally Putland, Manager of Maternity Services, Gove District Hospital
Dr Simon Kane, Head, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Alice Springs Hospital
Ms Robyn Wallace, Manager of Maternity Services, Alice Springs Hospital
Ms Rosemary Weckert, Midwifery Educator, Maternity Services, Alice Springs Hospital
Advisors:
Prof Lesley Barclay, Head, Graduate School for Health Practice, Charles Darwin University
Ms Maria Nickels, Indigenous project officer, Menzies School of Health Research
Research funded by Menzies School for Health Research and the Northern Territory Research & Innovation Grant
For more information contact gshp@cdu.edu.au
