A paternity test establishes with certainty the biological relationship between a father and child. For women who are pregnant and curious about the paternity of their children, nine months might feel like a long time to wait. However, thanks to the technological progress in DNA paternity testing, one can now determine paternity even at 9 weeks of pregnancy.
These tests are able to achieve this and reduce the risk of harm for both the mother and the unborn baby.
Why Should You Test for Paternity?
There are a number of reasons that prompt people to go for paternity testing and some of them include:
- If a DNA paternity test is needed in a court case, especially when seeking child support and/or assistance for the mother.
- Shedding light on the child’s medical history through paternal lineage
- Simply gain clarity on the paternal relationship between a possible father and the child.
Acknowledgment of paternity is often required after the child is born and in many American states, there are laws that require filling a form to validate the same.
Options to Consider When Testing for Paternity
For many years, women used to rely on pinpointing the date of conception in an attempt to uncover the baby’s paternity if they’ve been with more than one partner. However, this method is riddled with inaccuracies from the mother’s faulty memory to the nature of human sperm. This is why choosing an option that can guarantee accurate results is so important.
If you’re pregnant and wondering How can I get access to paternity testing near me‘, here’s what you need to look for to narrow down your search.
Prenatal and Postnatal Paternity Tests
Postnatal paternity can be tested after the child is born. by collecting a blood sample or cheek swab before the mother and baby are discharged. However, this wait can prove taxing to both the mother and the father.
Prenatal paternity tests help alleviate that anxiety by providing solid proof before the baby is born. Prenatal paternity tests can be divided into two major groups; invasive and non-invasive.
Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity Testing
Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity(NIPP), is one of the most accurate ways of establishing paternity. It can be performed at nine weeks of pregnancy and involves drawing a blood sample from both the mother and the alleged father so as to conduct a fetal cell analysis. It compares the genes of the baby found in the mother and those of the father with a 99% accuracy rate.
The invasive tests involve Amniocentesis and Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) where a sample is taken from a small needle or tube from the uterus and vagina respectively.
The amniotic fluid collected in the first test provides first-hand information into any genetic disorders or chromosomal abnormalities the baby might have. In addition, the DNA collected will be matched to the alleged father to provide accurate paternity results.
The CVS collects chorionic villi which have a similar genetic makeup to the child’s and therefore able to provide accurate results when matched to the father’s DNA. Both these tests require a doctor’s consent to proceed as they both could result in miscarriage and are often not deemed safe for paternity testing.
Better to Be Safe Than Sorry
Nowadays, getting access to paternity testing is as easy as googling paternity testing near me’ on your phone. However, so that you get the best possible options for both you and your baby, ensure that you only visit labs that are accredited by the national board. This will safeguard you from low-quality test centers and the various risks they pose.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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