Content

• Steps

Do you want to know if he really is the father of your child? Doubts about paternity can be devouring and contagious to the precious time you spend with your child. Today there are many options for determining the paternity of a child. Below are some tips to guide you through this difficult process.

Steps

1. 1 Learn about non-invasive prenatal paternity testing options. If you are pregnant and unsure who the baby's father is, you can determine paternity before the baby is born. In some tests, it is possible to obtain a sample of the baby's DNA even while he is still in the womb. However, it should be noted that these methods require the father to provide a sample of his DNA (usually a cheek lubricant or a blood sample). Of all the prenatal paternity testing options, non-invasive prenatal paternity (NPP) testing is the least stressful for the child. This test does not involve taking a DNA sample directly from an unborn child. Most likely, a sample of the mother's blood will be needed. The baby's DNA found in the mother's blood is analyzed and compared to that of the potential father.
2. 2 Learn about invasive prenatal options. There are other options for determining the paternity of a child besides testing by NGOs. However, since some of these procedures require a doctor to enter the uterus using medical devices, they carry small but real risks to the baby, up to and including miscarriage. Because of this, intending to take a penetrating paternity test is a serious decision that cannot be taken lightly. Talk to your doctor before deciding to undergo penetration testing for paternity - even the smallest risks must be considered for the health of the child.
   • Amniocentesis. This test is usually performed in the second trimester, between the 14th and 20th weeks of pregnancy. The doctor uses an ultrasound device to insert a thin thread into the uterus through the abdomen. The needle consumes a small amount of amniotic test fluid.
     • Side effects of this procedure include seizures, amniotic fluid leakage, and vaginal bleeding, according to the American Pregnancy Association. There is a small risk of miscarriage (about 1 in 300-500). This procedure requires the consent of the doctor.
   • Chorionic villus sampling. This test is similar to amniocentesis, but an ultrasound-guided needle is inserted through the vagina to obtain a sample of chorionic villi. Chorionic villi are finger-like structures attached to the walls of the uterus and emanating from the same egg as the fetus. Hence, they have the same genetic background. This test can be done early in pregnancy (10-13 weeks).
     • As with amniocentesis, this procedure requires a doctor's consent. In addition, there is a small (but real) risk of miscarriage.
3. 3 Perform a DNA test when the baby is born. If the baby is soon to be born, do not have a prenatal test. In this case, it is better to wait and take a DNA sample from the newborn baby. Usually, you will need to take a blood sample from the umbilical cord immediately after the baby is born. This will not hurt the baby because the umbilical cord has no sensation.
   • Typically, an umbilical cord test is less expensive than a prenatal test, but more expensive than a postpartum test (a test done after a baby is born in the form of a cheek swab, blood sample, etc.).
4. 4 Perform a DNA test after the baby is born. DNA tests can be performed on people of all ages.If you have already had a child, there is a wide variety of accredited laboratories for him that, for a fee, can conduct a paternity test with a high degree of accuracy using a DNA sample from the child, the father and sometimes the mother. Search online parenting agencies to find out more. Before you make your decision, check that the DNA diagnostic center you are using is properly accredited by AABK, the American Association of Blood Banks.
   • If DNA samples are taken in a clinical setting, they will most likely be in the form of a cheek swab or blood sample.
   • Paternity tests should not necessarily include a cheek swab or a blood sample from the father - it is possible (but usually not guaranteed) to use DNA samples from items such as strands of hair, a piece of chewing gum, a cigarette butt, or other discarded items.
5. 5 Get your results. After taking DNA samples, they are sent to the laboratory and analyzed by specialists to determine the paternity of the child. It will take several days to weeks to get results. Talk to your test provider - results can be mailed or returned to the test site where you can receive them.
6. 6 Find out the cost of a paternity test. Understand that in most cases, the paternity test is considered an optional (optional) procedure, so it is not covered by most insurance plans. Tests can range from under $ 100 (for the cheapest option) to $ 1000- $ 2000 for the most accurate, comprehensive test. You will have to pay a minimum of several hundred dollars to get accurate results.
   • Please note that if you want the DNA tests used to be approved in court, the price for such tests will be higher. If you want results for yourself, the price will be lower, so at home you can do whatever you want with it.
   • Sometimes there is a separate fee for collecting DNA samples.