All About Prenatal Paternity Testing

In some special cases, it is necessary to establish paternity before a mother gives birth. Prenatal DNA testing can verify paternity before a child is born. Similar to a standard paternity test, a prenatal paternity test compares the baby’s DNA profile with that of the alleged father and the mother. Unlike a standard paternity test, the mother is usually required to provide DNA samples for analysis, in addition to participating in the procedure for sampling of the baby’s DNA. The prenatal test provides the same definitive results as the standard paternity test because the baby’s DNA is set at conception.

Prenatal testing requires sample collection procedures performed by an OB/GYN. To obtain prenatal samples, one of the following two procedures is performed depending on the stage of pregnancy:

Chorionic Villi Sampling (CVS): During the 10th to 13th week of pregnancy, a small DNA sample can be taken from the placenta, a membrane that partially surrounds the developing fetus. This procedure is performed either transcervically (through the vagina) or transabdominally (through the abdominal wall).

Amniocentesis: During the 14th to 24th week of pregnancy, a sample of amniotic fluid can be drawn. The amniotic fluid, found in the sac surrounding the developing fetus, contains fetal cells that can be used for DNA analysis. Sampling is performed transabdominally (through the abdominal wall).

Both of these procedures must be performed by an OB/GYN. The procedures are invasive, so there is a slight risk of infection and of miscarriage. These tests are never usually advised for just paternity reasons; most often, the mother needs the tests for other health issues. We advise all mothers to consult their OB/GYN for more information about the risks involved.