Are there any tests to predict if a woman will experience preterm labor?
Yes, a transvaginal sonographic measure of cervical length early in the third trimester has been shown to be a good predictor of whether a woman will deliver prematurely. Also, the presence of fetal fibronectin in cervicovaginal secretions is associated with preterm delivery in both high-risk and low-risk women. This can be tested with a vaginal swab. Transvaginal ultrasounds appear to work pretty well at screening out women pregnant with twins who probably *won’t* develop preterm labor. The test is not quite as accurate in twin gestations as it is in singleton pregnancies in determining exactly who will develop preterm labor. Fetal fibronectin is not as accurate in twin gestations as it is in singleton pregnancies. A woman’s saliva also can be tested for the presence of salivary estriol, which is thought to be a predictor of preterm and term labor. However, the test’s manufacturer says the test is designed for singleton pregnancies.
