You have just found out you are pregnant but are unsure about who the father might be. Perhaps in this scenario you would consider a DNA test when pregnant. If you are considering a DNA test, there are options- in fact, more options nowadays that a decade ago with the development of non invasive prenatal tests. A prenatal paternity test will accurately tell you whether a man you suspect to be the father of your baby is really the biological father.
Obtaining your Baby’s DNA for paternity testing during pregnancy
If it is only to determine the sex of the unborn baby. There are many different test available but many of them are very unreliable.
Ideally, you would opt for a baby gender test carried out with a sample of maternal urine. If it is a prenatal test to know who the father of the unborn baby is, things are somewhat more complex. You could first consider undergoing amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling. Amniocentesis is carried out between the 15th-20th week of pregnancy. A pregnancy calculator can help you determine what week of pregnancy you have reached. Chorionic villus sampling takes place between the 10th and the 12th week. Both tests will need the assistance of an obstetrician or gynecologist. Your family doctor will not be able to carry out amniocentesis or CVS for you.
Amniocentesis involves insertion of a needle through the abdomen and into your womb. The OBYGYN will ensure to insert the needle into the correct place because he or she will be guided by an ultrasound. Often, an anesthetic cream will be rubbed onto your abdomen to anaesthetize the area at which the needle will penetrate the flesh. Whilst the procedures will not leave you in any pain, they can cause discomforts. CVS, or chorionic villus sampling is a prenatal test carried out earlier, between the 10-12th week. The OBGYN will insert a catheter into the vagina and into the womb. The problem with both tests is their inherent risks – which include miscarriage.
Non Invasive prenatal Paternity Test
Non invasive prenatal paternity testing is nowadays becoming the means of determining paternity before birth chosen many who are aware of the possibility of this test. This type of DNA paternity testing in pregnancy is essentially risk free and thus, there is no chance of miscarriage as could happen with an amnio or CVS. A blood sample, normally taken from the arm of the expectant mother, and a DNA sample from the alleged father are all that are needed for this test. Essentially, because any pregnant mother carries her baby’s DNA in her blood stream, this test is rendered possible. Using highly advanced DNA testing methods scientists will map the child’s DNA profile. They can actually separate the fetal DNA from the maternal DNA from the expectant mother’s sample- unfortunately; as yet, you will only find a few companies offering this test.
So, to conclude, for a DNA test when pregnant you have the option of a non invasive or an invasive test- whichever the case, ensure to get a full and detailed consultation.
