If paternity is in question, you may ask the doctors how to do a paternity test before the baby is born.
A couple of options are considered invasive, and if you’re not the pregnant one you’ll certainly need the child bearer’s permission before the doctor performs the test.
Why might someone want to establish paternity before birth? It can help reduce stress and aid in any personal decision making. Someone may also want to find out if the child they are supporting is theirs, or to find out if they have a legal obligation.
Whatever the reason may be, there are a few ways to do a prenatal paternity test.
Talk to Your Doctor About How to do a Paternity Test Before Birth
The first thing you should do if you want to establish paternity before the baby is born is to talk to your OB-gyn or other medical provider. There are a few options for prenatal DNA testing.
Two of these options amniocentesis and CVS are considered invasive. A new NIPP testing (Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity Test) method has come out in recent years that just requires a small blood sample from the mother and cheek swab from the father.
The child paternity tests require samples of the mother, father or potential father(s), and the unborn baby’s DNA.
Amniocentesis
Amniocentesis is the process of extracting amniotic fluid from the amniotic sac to for testing purposes.
Amniocentesis may be done if there are concerns about abnormalities in the fetus, or at the mother’s request. Since it is invasive and poses risks, most doctors will not recommend amniocentesis if you’re doing it only to find out the paternity of the unborn baby.
CVS
CVS stands for chorionic villus sampling, a prenatal test used to determine if there are any genetic diseases or birth defects. It is done by extracting cells from the placenta where it attaches to the uterine wall. During the test, a small sample of cells (called chorionic villi) is taken from the placenta where it attaches to the wall of the uterus.
CVS comes with the risk of miscarriage or physical defect to the unborn baby and again is not recommended for paternity reasons.
Blood Draw
There is a much less invasive way to find out the paternity of the baby and that is through a blood draw of the mother. The baby’s DNA is collected through this blood and then the potential father is asked for a cheek swab.
Laboratories do their magic and after 8 weeks people can find out the sex of their baby, health information, as well as paternity.
Think You’re Better Off Waiting to Find Out Until After the Baby is Born?
Does all of this sound a bit too overwhelming right now?
It is perfectly reasonable to check paternity after the baby is born. Whether you don’t want to do the prenatal paternity tests for medical or personal reasons, there are completely non-invasive options after birth such as Home DNA paternity testing.
Find Support
You’re not alone through all of this.
The best thing you can do is find support. Whether it is through a therapist, a friend, or an online culture guide in the form of Modern Thrill. We’re here for you!
Now that you know how to do a paternity test, it is time to rip the bandaid out and find out. If you’re ready, of course.
