Prenatal paternity testing is an option if the mother wants to know the paternity of her child while pregnant. Having an unborn baby is a huge change in life and not knowing who the real father is will only add to the confusion and stress. Prenatal paternity testing requires taking a sample of the fetus’ DNA inside the mother’s womb.
As with all medical procedures, this presents some risk to the fetus and mother and thus precautions should be taken when deciding upon which procedure to undertake. The baby’s gestational age or how far along the pregnancy has progressed is the first thing an expectant mother should consider if she wants to have a paternity test while pregnant. If the pregnancy is in the 10th to 13th week, chorionic villi sampling (CVS) is the sample collection procedure that is performed. However, if the expectant mother is in her 14th to 24th week of pregnancy, amniocentesis is the procedure that will be used. Both procedures require an OB-GYN to be performed and cannot be done at home. The parent’s samples can be collected at home using a simple cheek swab.
Paternity testing while pregnant involves a procedure called Chorionic villi sampling which consist of taking a piece of the chorionic villi or placenta surrounding the baby. This can be done either using a transabdominal or transcervical needle. The procedure is guided by ultrasound so the chance of damage to the fetus and placenta is minimized. The DNA from the chorionic villi is compared to the potential father’s DNA to find a match. It usually takes three to ten days for the lab to process the results and send it back.
Amniocentesis testing is done during the second trimester and involves collecting amniotic fluid surrounding the placenta. This is done using an ultrasound guided needle through the mother’s abdominal wall. The sample is compared with the father’s DNA to find a match. The results can take up to seven days to be returned.
After having a paternity test while pregnant, the mother may feel some slight discomfort or light cramping. With the transcervical CVS test, some light spotting may occur. Discuss all risks with a physician before undergoing a procedure. Doctors may tell women to rest for a day before resuming normal activity. Some research has shown CVS to have less risk for complications but discuss both options with your OB-GYN. Your doctor will explain the advantages and disadvantages of both options for your unique scenario.
These tests are often not covered by most health insurance companies. Paternity testing alone is not considered a medical necessity. Nonetheless, if testing for other genetic and chromosomal disorders, the fluid might be then utilized to do the prenatal paternity test. Some insurance policies may then cover the cost for the method, but not the paternity test.
Check insurance coverage plans, hospitals, and labs to be certain in the costs involved before undertaking a CVS or amniocentesis solely for paternity factors. Testing following birth may be a cheaper option using a home paternity testing kit.