Can You Take A Paternity Test While Pregnant?

A paternity test is the most reliable method to determine the identity of a child's father. There are various instances in which this needs to be done and there are even places in which paternity tests are mandatory for unmarried couples who are expecting or have just given birth. It remains a question to many if it is possible to take paternity test while pregnant or if it is only to be done once the woman has given birth to the child. Today it is possible to conduct a paternity test even while the woman is still pregnant. The challenge lies in getting a DNA sample from the fetus but there are two methods in which this can be done. The procedures to check if the fetus has any birth defects are the same ones used to for paternity testing. Paternity tests can be done as early as 10 weeks into the pregnancy and once a DNA sample has been obtained, it will take up to 5 days for the results to come out. Here are the two types of paternity test that women can take while pregnant.

• CVS (Chrionic Villus Sampling)

This type of paternity test is the one done when a woman is still in her early weeks of pregnancy. It can be performed while a woman is 10 weeks pregnant up to 12 or 13 weeks. Doctors do the procedure by inserting a needle either through a woman's abdomen or cervix and obtains a sample of placenta tissue that is called Chrionic Villi - hence the name of the procedure. Once the needle is inside, it is guided by an ultrasound. These tissues develop from a fertilized eggs which means that it has the same DNA as the fetus.

• Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis can be done when a woman is in her second trimester or 14th or 15th week of pregnancy. In this method, amniotic fluid is extracted from the uterus with the use of a thin needle. These fluids contain fetal cells that has DNA which, in turn, can be used for paternity tests.

Studies that have been conducted around the world have stated that DNA testing yields more that 99% accuracy while others have claimed that it provides 100% accuracy. The prices of these procedure vary as well from $250 to $2000.

Although both of these tests are considered safe, they carry a risk of having a miscarriage. Studies have said that the risk is increased if the needle goes through the cervix instead of the abdominal wall. Both CVS and Amniocentesis can also slight risks of infection as well as vaginal bleeding and cramping.

Pre natal paternity tests should only be taken if it is unavoidable more so as it can provide harm to the baby. Doctors will also have to give their consent before a paternity test can be performed.