Premature Labour

Premature labour and subsequent pre-term delivery is quite common.  

In England and Wales 1 in 13 babies are born before 35 weeks. 

The earlier a baby is born the less developed its organ systems, and the greater chance of healthcare problems related to its immaturity.

Advance warning may help a mother and her pregnancy care team prepare for an early birth. 

Can the risk of Pre-term Birth be identified? 

There are two valuable methods of identifying expectant mothers at risk of early delivery:

• Fibronectin screening

• Ultrasound measurement of the cervical length (neck of the womb) 

The London Ultrasound Centre, Fibronectin and Premature Labour 

At the London Ultrasound Centre we can now offer our patients the Fibronectin Test to assess the likelihood of premature labour.

Our ability to offer this test and provide this service is backed up by solid research and understanding of Fibronectin.

Two of the senior team from The London Ultrasound Centre, Mr. Maxwell and Professor Shennan, also work at St Thomas’ Hospital London where much of the pioneering research on Fibronectin has been performed. 

Mr. Maxwell is Medical Director of the London Ultrasound Centre and also Director of the Fetal Medicine Unit at St Thomas’ Hospital. 

Professor Shennan is a Consultant at The London Ultrasound Centre and leads a research team at St Thomas’ in the Fetal and Maternal Research Group. 

Their studies have shown that Fibronectin testing adds valuable information to that provided by scanning cervical length, and the selective use of Fibronectin testing after cervical length measurement is more accurate than measuring the cervical length alone.