Can you get a DNA test when your pregnant?
Yes. A paternity test can be performed while a woman is pregnant.The testing options available are invasive and non-invasive.
Invasive Prenatal Paternity Test
In order to perform this prenatal paternity testing option. It will require the assistance of the mother’s OBGYN. Please note, this testing option cannot be used with a OBGYN. Invasive Prenatal Tests can be performed during two specific windows of a mother’s pregnancy.
1. Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS): This procedure can be performed during weeks 10-12 of gestation.
2. Amniocentesis: This is procedure can be performed during weeks 15-18 of gestation It should be noted that invasive paternity tests are risk averse. Mothers may risk miscarrying during either procedure.
In addition, invasive paternity tests cannot be performed as a stand alone procedure. In order to perform CVS or an Amniocentesis the mother’s OBGYN must considering performing either procedure. Therefore, OBGYN’s will not perform either test just to help determine the paternity of a child due to potential risk of miscarriage to an unborn child.
It is recommended that you speak with your healthcare professional about the pros and cons of this method.
Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity Test (NIPP)
Unfortunately, at this time IDTO does not offer this testing option. If you are able to find a company to perform this service. What you can expect to happen is the mother will have her blood drawn and the alleged biological father DNA samples will be collected by of buccal cheek swab.
How long will it take for me to receive my prenatal DNA paternity test results?
The average turnaround to for your results to be completed is 5-10 working days. upon the completion of your results. A copy will be mailed to your home and another copy will be emailed to you.
Can a NIPP tests be used for legal purposes?
As it currently stands, the limited NIPP and Invasive testing options are not an option Family Court Judges recommend. In addition, we currently unaware of an accredited laboratory in the U.S. that offers this service that will be recognize for evidence submission in court. This may be due to legal chain of custody not having the child included because yet to be born.
If you are able to find a DNA Testing company that offers Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity Testing services please make sure to ask questions requesting the usage of your results being used legally. Before contacting a lab you may want to contact Family Law Attorney in your state to inquire about paternity establishment while pregnant to confirm in prenatal testing results are legally admissible document.
 Legal and Ethical Considerations
- Prenatal paternity tests can have legal implications in terms of establishing paternity, child support obligations, custody agreements, etc. It’s important to consult with a family law attorney to understand the laws in your state.
- There are ethical concerns around the safety of invasive testing procedures and not performing them solely to establish paternity without medical necessity. Doctors take this into consideration when deciding whether to perform invasive tests.
Emotional and Psychological Impact
- Receiving paternity test results, either positive or negative, can be emotionally difficult for the parents. Counseling may be advisable to cope with the implications.
- There can also be an emotional impact on the child later in life. Knowing one’s paternity story can be emotionally complex.
Alternatives to Testing While Pregnant
- Waiting until after the child is born to perform paternity testing is an alternative option that avoids risks from invasive prenatal testing or the limited availability of NIPP tests.
Cost Considerations
- Invasive prenatal paternity testing typically costs $1,000-2,000 in the US. Non-invasive testing can cost $1200 – $2400
- Health insurance does not usually cover prenatal paternity testing if it is elective rather than medically necessary.
Conclusion:
In summary, prenatal paternity testing is an option to help determine the paternity of child although, depending on the option you choose will come with some risk. Invasive testing can only be performed if the OBGYN deems it necessary to perform an amniocentesis or CVS. Paternity testing using the invasive method alone is not deem a medical procedure there you more than likely will be denied.
Non-Invasive Prenatal tests is does not require an OBGYN but if you need your results for legal purposes currently this option may not be viable and you will have to wait for the child is born to perform a legal DNA test that can be used in court.
If are in need of after birth legal paternity testing services. Contact IDTO DNA Testing Center at 877-680-5800 to schedule an appointment today.
