DNA test while Pregnant
NON-Invasive Prenatal Paternity Test ( Steps)
The prenatal paternity tests (CVS and amniocentesis) are invasive and carry with their use a small but significant chance of miscarriage. Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) is collecting the chorionic villi that make up the placenta, which is guided by an ultrasound, an OB-GYN uses a catheter through the vagina or a long, hollow needle through the belly (depending on the status of the fetus) to collect cells. That can be done during weeks 10-13 of pregnancy. Amniocentesis collects the amniotic fluid that surrounds the fetus, which is also guided by an ultrasound, an OB-GYN use of a long needle through the abdomen to collect fluid. And this test can be performed during weeks 14-20 of pregnancy.
The discovery of the occurrence of fetal cells in maternal blood has offered a non-invasive prenatal diagnosis as well. By analyzing deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) profiles, which is material present in nearly all living organisms as the main constituent of chromosomes, the laboratory can compare a fetal DNA profile with genetic DNA samples of the mother and fathers. These small fragments of fetal-derived DNA along with cell-free maternally derived DNA can be counted and quantified. This test can be done as early as the 8th week of pregnancy.
We provide you with a complimentary package sent via FedEx within two business days which will include everything needed to collect the blood sample. We provide within it blood sample collection kit for the mother, two pieces of cotton tipped buccal swabs for the potential father, forms, client information, payment methods, consent forms and a return courier. Also, we will arrange your blood collection at a clinic nearby. Once you decide to go with our services, both samples are then sent to the lab summary. The test examines free-floating fetal DNA from the mother’s plasma and associates it to the mother’s own DNA profile. Once the fetus’s profile is prepared, that profile is then matched to the potential father’s, and paternity can be established. DNA analysis from fetal cells in maternal blood examples is a screening test that is a non-invasive prenatal method and poses no risks to the mother or the fetus.
Prenatal Paternity Test at week 7
Amniocentesis Carries various risks
Amniocentesis carries various risks, including:
- Leaking amniotic fluid. Rarely, amniotic fluid leaks through the vagina after amniocentesis. However, in most cases the amount of fluid lost is small and stops within one week, and the pregnancy is likely to proceed normally.
- Miscarriage. Second-trimester amniocentesis carries a slight risk of miscarriage — about .6 percent. Research suggests that the risk of pregnancy loss is higher for amniocentesis done before 15 weeks of pregnancy.
- Needle injury. During amniocentesis the baby might move an arm or leg into the path of the needle. Serious needle injuries are rare.
- Rh sensitization. Rarely, amniocentesis might cause the baby’s blood cells to enter the mother’s bloodstream. If you have Rh negative blood and you haven’t developed antibodies to Rh positive blood, you’ll be given an injection of a blood product called Rh immune globulin after amniocentesis. This will prevent your body from producing Rh antibodies that can cross the placenta and damage the baby’s red blood cells. A blood test can detect if you’ve begun to produce antibodies.
- Infection. Very rarely, amniocentesis might trigger a uterine infection.
- Infection transmission. If you have an infection — such as hepatitis C, toxoplasmosis or HIV/AIDS — the infection might be transferred to your baby during amniocentesis.
Remember, genetic amniocentesis is typically offered when the test results might have a significant impact on management of the pregnancy. Ultimately, the decision to have genetic amniocentesis is up to you. Your health care provider or genetic counselor can help you weigh all the factors in the decision.
References
Ghidini, A. Diagnostic amniocentesis. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed July 31, 2015.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/amniocentesis/basics/risks/prc-20014529