Understanding the Ferning Test for Detection of Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes

Am I ovulating, or did my water just break? 😭👀 That’s a positive FERN test. The reqson we call it a fern test is because a positive result will look like fern leaves under the microscope. When amniotic fluid dries on a slide, the sodium chloride estrogen combo forms a ✨fern-like pattern✨ confirming the rupture of membranes (ROM). Plot twist: You can ALSO see ferning when a woman is ovulating because high estrogen levels make saliva do the same exact thing. So whether it’s baby on the way or ba