The pre-natal paternity test is a DNA test that is carried out during pregnancy in order to establish the paternity of the child while it is still in the womb. The pre-natal paternity test compares the DNA profile of the foetus with that of the alleged father. The DNA profile of the child is established at conception, and a prenatal paternity test will give the same conclusive result as a standard paternity test.

Invasive and Non Invasive Prenatal Paternity Testing

Invasive prenatal DNA sampling procedures include amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling. Samples collected using these sampling procedures can be used to carry out a paternity test. The problem with invasive prenatal tests is that they carry certain risks including leakage of amniotic fluid and miscarriage.

Non Invasive prenatal paternity tests are absolutely risk free and safe. A few avant-garde DNA testing companies are offering this type of prenatal test.  The test requires maternal blood samples which are taken by means of a blood draw (as happens with any routine blood test). Fetal DNA is found in the pregnant mother’s blood stream and using advanced bioinformatics scientists can trace the unborn baby’s genetic markers. Scientists use a technique to analyse what are known as Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms. Like with any paternity test, a sample from the alleged father is also required.

One important recommendation: Always look out for laboratory accreditation when doing any DNA test.

 In order to obtain a DNA sample for an invasive prenatal test from the developing foetus, special medical procedures need to be employed. The expectant mother who wishes to carry out a prenatal test will need to go to her obstetrician or gynaecologist, who will employ one of the following methods: Amniocentesis or Chorionic Villus Sampling. It is important to note that a prenatal paternity test cannot be carried out using a sample of saliva from the mother, as happens in the normal paternity test, as the mother’s DNA profile is different from that of the developing child.

Chorionic Villus Sampling

With Chorionic Villus Sampling, the OB_GYN will obtain a small sample of the chorionic villi, that are small finger-like pieces tissue that are attached to the wall of the uterus. This is done by inserting a thin needle or tube from the vagina through the cervix and into the womb. During this procedure, your OB-GYN will be guided by using an ultrasound. The chorionic villi and the foetus come from the same fertilized egg, and have the same DNA profile.

Amniocentesis

During an amniocentesis, the OB-GYN will insert a long, thin needle through the abdomen of the pregnant mother into the uterus. This needle is used to draw out a sample of amniotic fluid, that is, fluid that surrounds the baby in the womb. This fluid will contain DNA from the foetus, which can then be used for the paternity test. An amniocentesis can be carried out from the 14th-20th weeks of pregnancy.

Consult Your Doctor

If you want to carry out a prenatal paternity test, it is always advisable to consult with your doctor or gynaecologist, so that the medical procedure involved can be discussed, as well as the risks involved in carrying out these procedures. Because the medical procedures involved in the DNA sample collection are invasive, there are slight medical risks associated with them, particularly a slightly increased risk of miscarriage. If you decide to go ahead with the prenatal paternity test, then your OB-GYN will need to collect the DNA sample using one of the two methods described above, and send them to the testing company of your choice for the DNA to be extracted and analysed.

In addition to the sample taken from the foetus, you will need to send a DNA sample taken from the alleged father, many testing companies also recommend a DNA sample taken from the mother be included. In the majority of cases, the testing company will send you a ‘sample collection kit’ containing everything you need in order to collect the DNA samples from all the parties taking part in the test, together with detailed instructions as well as all the relevant consent forms.

Alternatively, if you decide not to proceed with the prenatal test but still want to do a paternity test, then we recommend that you wait until the baby is born and proceed with the standard home paternity test or legal DNA test depending on your requirements.