Getting a paternity test during pregnancy is not only possible, it can be a good idea, for your baby's sake. There are several highly accurate methods using DNA comparison, including a simple blood test and cheek swab. Testing can be done as early as 9 weeks of pregnancy.
While lots of pregnancies are well-planned by two people, there are many thousands that aren’t. Unintended pregnancy rates in the U.S. are about 36 per 1,000 women. And among these pregnancies are some where paternity may be unknown or unconfirmed. Prenatal paternity testing can give parents answers before the baby is born and may help with important medical, legal, and financial decisions.
Here’s more about what this kind of testing is and when you can get one during pregnancy.
What is a DNA paternity test?
You probably know about DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that contains all of a person’s genetic material. A baby in utero contains the DNA of both parents. DNA paternity testing uses genetic material to determine who the biological father of a baby is.
Can I get a paternity test during pregnancy?
Yes, you can get a paternity test during pregnancy to learn who your baby’s biological father is.
How accurate are DNA paternity tests?
The accuracy rate of DNA paternity tests is very high — up to 99.9%.[1]
When can I get a paternity test during pregnancy?
DNA paternity testing can occur at 9 weeks to 12 weeks of pregnancy, and it can be performed later as well. It may be included with other first-trimester prenatal tests, like chorionic villus sampling (CVS). It can also be done later, during the second trimester, when an amniocentesis is performed.
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How is a paternity test done?
Paternity tests during pregnancy may be performed in two ways: with a simple blood draw or along with more involved procedures that screen for genetic and other medical issues. Here’s more:
- Noninvasive prenatal paternity test (NIPP). Quick and simple, a NIPP uses a blood sample from the expectant woman and a swab from the inside of the potential father’s mouth. The baby’s DNA is in the woman’s bloodstream and can be analyzed alongside DNA gathered from cells in the cheek.
- Chorionic villus sampling (CVS). This more invasive procedure involves removing a bit of tissue from the placenta between week 10 and week 13. While considered straightforward and safe, CVS can be uncomfortable and carries a very small risk of miscarriage.
- Amniocentesis. During this procedure, a small amount of amniotic fluid is removed from the uterus with a needle. An amnio can occur between week 15 and week 20. While risks are rare, there is a very slight chance of miscarriage.
Keep in mind that these last two procedures aren’t typically done solely to determine a baby’s paternity. Instead, finding out the identity of your baby’s father is one piece of information that can be gleaned from amnio and CVS, along with information about your baby's genetics, health, and growth rate.
How is paternity confirmed?
To confirm paternity, the swab contents and blood or fluid samples are sent to a lab for analysis. The lab compares the DNA from the samples to determine whether there's a genetic match between the potential father and the baby.
Why is finding out paternity important?
The importance of finding out a child’s paternity can be considerable. For example:
- It can provide a more complete health history from both parents. A particular diagnosis or genetic condition may be identified more accurately and quickly if both parents are known.
- Certain financial and legal benefits may be available to a child, including financial support, custody, inheritance, and Social Security benefits.
- Learning who both parents are can allow a child to form a relationship with and get to know both sides of his family.
- Paternity can give a child a feeling of belonging and identity.[2]
What to Expect Community mom Kitt66 feels that "the momentary awkwardness for the adults involved is not worth the lifelong potential oops of a child not knowing who their biological parent is."
What does a paternity test cost?
If you need paternity testing in a hospital or doctor’s office, it can run between about $600 and $2,000. (At-home tests may cost less, but they may not be as accurate and aren't necessarily admissible in court.)
Many insurance plans cover some or most of the cost of CVS and amniocentesis, though they don't typically cover the cost of the DNA lab test.
If you’re unsure of the identity of your baby’s father, know that prenatal paternity testing is possible. Speak with your doctor about the right method for you and your baby on board.
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