Paternity Test While Pregnant

We all know that a genetic testing or DNA paternity testing is considered the most reliable method to identify the biological father of a child. There are various circumstances that demand such authentic proof for establishing paternity. Sometimes, a court may order such DNA test as a proof of paternity. In some regions, it is mandatory for unmarried couples to prove the paternity of their child. DNA paternity testing can be either postnatal or prenatal, i.e, it can be done before or after the birth of the child. Can you get a paternity test while pregnant? This is one of the common queries and the following information will help you in finding the answer.

DNA Paternity Test While Pregnant

While most of the paternity tests are done after childbirth, some circumstances demand such tests to be done during pregnancy itself. Even though, the basic aim of this test is to prove paternity, individual reasons for undergoing the same, may vary. In some cases, women undergo prenatal tests while pregnant, so as to determine the identity of the child's father. This is mainly done by those, who have sexual contacts with more than one person. Some others undergo this test for some emotional and financial support. If the victim of a rape (especially gang rape) case gets pregnant, undergoing a paternity test while pregnant may prove beneficial for her. Even unmarried couples opt for prenatal paternity tests, so as to fulfill the legal formalities of their place of residence. A court may order for a paternity test, when the identity of the child's father is directly or indirectly related to the matter of dispute in any lawsuit. In short, the reason for conducting a prenatal paternity test may not be the same for all, but such tests are not as commonly done, as postnatal ones.

Methods of Prenatal Paternity Test

Now, you know that paternity tests can be prenatal or postnatal. In both cases, the samples taken from the child/fetus, mother and the suspected father, are required. In case of postnatal tests, the blood samples, buccal swabs, umbilical cord samples, etc, are used. In some cases, samples of tissues, hair, etc., may also be required. If you want to undergo paternity test while pregnant, then the following information will be of some help. There are two methods of conducting this test - amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS). The method of testing will be decided by the doctor, as per individual cases.

Amniocentesis
Amniocentesis is a paternity test, that is usually conducted during the second trimester of pregnancy. Second trimester means the period between the fourteenth and twenty-fourth week of pregnancy. In this method, a small amount of amniotic fluid is extracted from the uterus, using a thin needle that is inserted through the abdomen. The needle is guided to the uterus, with the help of ultrasound. This amniotic fluid collected from the uterus, is used to test the paternity of the fetus.

Chorionic Villus Sampling
As compared to amniocentesis, chorionic villi sampling or CVS can be done at an earlier stage of pregnancy, i.e, between the tenth and thirteenth week. In this method, the chorionic villi are extracted from the inner lining of the uterus, for DNA testing. Chorionic villi are finger-like tissues, that are found attached to the walls of the uterus and they share the same genetic code as that of the fetus. Unlike amniocentesis, in CVS, the chorionic villi are removed from the uterus, by inserting a needle, through the vagina. In this case too, the needle is guided with the help of ultrasound imaging.

Paternity Test While Pregnant - Risks

Now, you have a basic idea regarding the methods for prenatal paternal testing. However, both methods have their own risks and it is always better to seek the opinion of the doctor, before undergoing the test. In some regions, it is mandatory to obtain a doctor's consent, in order to undergo this test. It is also advisable to undergo such tests at government accredited facilities. In case of amniocentesis, the possible complications include miscarriage or harm to baby. This procedure may also cause vaginal bleeding, cramps and leaking of amniotic fluid. In case of chorionic villus sampling too, the risks are same as in amniocentesis. However, in this case, the pregnant woman may also develop infections and if the test is done before 11 months of pregnancy, the fetus may develop some minor defects. Nowadays, blood tests are also being conducted as prenatal paternity tests. Read more on DNA testing during pregnancy.

Paternity test while pregnant is considered risky to a small extent and it is not usually recommended. However, these tests are mostly carried out with the consent of the concerned doctor. The cost of this test can be anywhere between $250.00 and $2,000.00. Go for these tests, only if it is unavoidable.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice. Visiting your physician is the safest way to diagnose and treat any health condition.