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Childbirth/Paternity Test - During Pregnancy

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Expert: - 12/26/2008


Question
How do I find out if the baby my wife is carrying is mine?  

I have found paternity tests for after the birth.  However I am hoping to find a test for before the birth.  One of my concerms is, this pregnancy is already a high risk pregnancy.  Is there a way to have this test done without her knowledge?  I need to know if I am this baby's father.

Answer
Eric,

All methods of paternity testing during a pregnancy involve taking samples of amniotic fluid or cells from inside the womb, typically either via amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS).

CVS is typically done between 10-13 weeks and amniocentesis is performed about halfway through a pregnancy (20 weeks).

If the pregnancy is high risk already (depending on why it's considered high risk), it typically wouldn't be advisable to complete a paternity test, as both of these procedures present the risk of miscarriage or other complications.

Also, it's unlikely that you would be able to have a paternity test completed without her consent since she would be the one to decide whether or not to have these tests done.

Your options at this point would be to first determine if either of these tests are still an option in her pregnancy.  Then, you'd have to discuss your concerns with your wife and get her consent for the paternity test.


If not, your only other option would be to wait until after the baby is born.



Best,
Catherine  

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Catherine Beier MS CBE

Expertise

I can provide evidence-based information and current research findings concerning childbirth and pregnancy. My specializations include natural childbirth, pregnancy and birth interventions, fetal positioning, labor induction, choosing a care provider, midwives, homebirth, unassisted birth, natural pain relief, medications in pregnancy and birth, informed consent, understanding the risks and benefits of childbirth choices, doulas, waterbirth, childbirth methods, childbirth education classes, cesarean section, and VBAC.

Experience

I have been a childbirth educator, mother, author, public speaker, researcher, and birth advocate for the past 9 years. I am also the author of Giving Birth Naturally, a site dedicated to natural childbirth and pregnancy information. I publish evidence-based articles on pregnancy, childbirth, newborn care, and post-partum care. I'm also a mother of three children, two daughters and one son all born naturally. To learn more about what normal birth looks like, view the natural childbirth video of my son being born at home unassisted.

Publications
My book, Birth Outside the Box, was published in 2007.

Education/Credentials
I hold a Master's degree in communication disorders with an emphasis in child development. I am also an independent childbirth educator.

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