For several reasons, a pregnant woman may decide to have a paternity test before giving birth. The outcome of a paternity test can be crucial for securing legal rights, including child support, custody, welfare, and inheritance, in addition to revealing medical details that may impact your kid’s health. Learn more about the many DNA tests you may have while pregnant, their prices, and safety profiles by reading on.
How do prenatal paternity tests work?
A prenatal paternity test while pregnant looks for a DNA match between your unborn child and the prospective father. DNA samples from the mother and future father are collected and subjected to a battery of laboratory procedures known as DNA sequencing to establish paternity.
where to obtain a pregnancy DNA test
Laboratories provide noninvasive prenatal DNA testing. The American Pregnancy Association advises using laboratories that have earned accreditation from The American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) because they perform high-quality tests.
Amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS) procedures are often carried out in a doctor’s office or other outpatient setting and then forwarded to a lab for analysis.
Which kinds of paternity testing are offered?
There are three ways to determine a person’s paternity before a child is born.
- Prenatal paternity test without pain (NIPP)
In this test, the mother’s DNA is obtained by a blood draw, and the father’s DNA is obtained through a cheek swab. Results are typically available one week following the test.
However, due to the limitations of current technology, this test is not accessible to women expecting twins.
- sample chorionic villus (CVS)
A tiny tissue sample from the placenta is obtained through the cervix or abdomen during this operation. The DNA of the probable father is then matched to the piece. It can take weeks to see results. This intrusive sample method does put the newborn in danger, unlike NIPP.
A baby’s CVS results can reveal if they have genetic diseases like cystic fibrosis or chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome.
- Amniocentesis
Amniotic fluid is extracted using a needle during amniocentesis from the expecting parent. The fluid sample is then compared to DNA samples from the prospective father and the expectant parent in a lab. Several weeks may pass before the findings are made public.
This intrusive sample process does put the infant at risk, just as CVS. If:
- If the findings of a prenatal screening test are positive or concerning, you may prefer CVS or amniocentesis.
- Down syndrome or a chromosomal disorder affected by a prior pregnancy.
- You are older than 34.
- You or your spouse have a family history of a genetic disorder; abnormal ultrasound results have been found.
Are our paternity tests using DNA safe?
Experts believe that noninvasive prenatal paternity tests are perfectly safe for the pregnant mother and the unborn child and entirely accurate.
Paternity tests that are more intrusive and involve more risks include amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling. Medical professionals do not often advise them unless they are required to identify a severe genetic condition.
The following are possible dangers of chorionic villus sampling:
- Miscarriage: The likelihood of miscarriage with CVS is reportedly 0.22 percent.
- Infection: In a small percentage of instances, CVS can lead to uterine infection.
- Rh sensitization: Rh immune globulin will be injected into you if you have Rh-negative blood and no antibodies to Rh-positive blood to prevent your body from creating potentially harmful Rh antibodies.
Additionally, your doctor might advise avoiding CVS if you have any of the following conditions:
- An accessible placenta is owing to a tilted uterus; an active infection in the cervix or vagina (such as herpes); bleeding or spotting from the vagina in the last two weeks, or benign growths in the cervix or lower uterus.
- After CVS, get immediate medical attention if you develop significant vaginal bleeding, fluid leakage from the vagina, a fever, or uterine contractions.
Amniocentesis DNA testing hazards might include the following:
- Amniotic fluid leakage: Vaginal amniotic fluid leakage is possible.
- Miscarriage: A 0.1 to 0.3 percent incidence of miscarriage following amniocentesis during the second trimester. The risk is more significant when a test is taken before week 15 of pregnancy.
- Infection: The sampling procedure might lead to uterine infection.
- Transmission of infections: If you have toxoplasmosis, hepatitis B or C, or HIV/AIDS, it may pass to your unborn child.
Prenatal paternity testing can assist you in obtaining critical answers while you are still carrying the baby. Think about your alternatives and discuss which one best suits you with your healthcare practitioner.
