How to get DNA testing while pregnant

When paternity must be determined before a child is born, prenatal paternity testing is available. DNA testing while pregnant is more invasive than paternity testing after birth, so parents should weigh all options before deciding to move forward. Once you decide a prenatal paternity test is needed you have two options:

CVS - Chorionic Villus Sampling – Usually completed between weeks 8 and 14 of pregnancy, the CVS is an invasive procedure. During the procedure, a catheter is inserted into the cervix, and suction is used to collect a small sample of chorionic villi. Buccal swabs are collected from the inside of the cheeks of the mother and potential father. A comparison is made between the samples. CVS paternity testing is as accurate as testing done after birth.

Amniocentesis – Usually completed between weeks 14 and 20 of pregnancy, the amniocentesis is also invasive. A doctor uses a needle to transabdominally withdraw approximately 10ml of amniotic fluid. Again, cheek swabs are collected from mother and potential father and compared.

Not knowing paternity can be extremely difficult to families. After weighing the risks to the fetus many parents decide it’s important to know paternity before birth.

For more information about testing procedures visit prenatal paternity test page.