Paternity Testing While Pregnant: Is It Safe?

Published 25/01/2025

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Prenatal Testing Explained

Determining paternity during pregnancy, or conducting a prenatal test, can provide peace of mind for expectant parents without having to wait an agonising 9 months—in fact the test can be done as early as 7-8 weeks into pregnancy.

But, is it safe to get a paternity test while pregnant? In this blog, we’ll explore the options available, address safety concerns, and answer common questions about prenatal paternity testing.


Can You Do a Paternity Test While Pregnant?

Yes, you can. Modern advancements in genetic testing have made it possible to determine paternity with a simple blood sample from the mother and a cheek swab from the alleged father. In the mother’s blood it is possible to examine cell-free foetal DNA (cffDNA) from the baby. Once the cffDNA is extracted from the mother's blood, it undergoes genetic analysis, where specific genetic markers are compared with those in the DNA sample collected from the father via a cheek swab. These non-invasive prenatal paternity (NIPP) tests are highly accurate and pose no risk to the baby or mother.

Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity Testing (NIPP)

  • A venous blood sample is taken from the pregnant mother to collect the baby’s cell-free foetal DNA.

  • The free-floating foetal DNA is analysed and compared with the alleged father’s DNA.

  • Results are typically available within 5 working days.

Is It Safe to Get a Paternity Test While Pregnant?

The short answer is: Yes, it is safe—as long as you choose a non-invasive prenatal test (NIPP). Unlike older methods such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS), NIPP does not require invasive procedures, making it a much safer choice.

Key Benefits of NIPP

  • 99.9% accuracy in determining paternity.

  • Completely safe for mother and baby.

  • Results available early in pregnancy, as soon as 7 weeks gestation.


Choosing the Right Provider for Prenatal Paternity Testing

When considering paternity testing during pregnancy, choosing a reputable and accredited laboratory is essential. Look for providers with:

  • Accreditation (e.g., ISO standards).

  • Transparent processes.

  • Clear communication about timelines and costs.

At AttoLife and AssureDNA, we have a team of expert sample collectors who are able to assist in any sample collection where a blood draw is required, or where the chain of custody is essential. For legal DNA tests, check out AttoLife and for peace of mind tests, head to AssureDNA.


Final Thoughts on Prenatal Paternity Testing

If you are pregnant and worried about the identity of the father, don’t worry. You don’t have to wait until after the baby is born to get answers. Non-invasive prenatal DNA paternity testing is here to help, without any need for dangerous or uncomfortable procedures.

To summarise:

  • Can you do a paternity test while pregnant? Yes, non-invasive options make it possible.

  • Is it safe to get a paternity test while pregnant? Absolutely, with non-invasive methods.

  • Can you have a paternity test while pregnant without risk? Yes, NIPP is entirely risk-free.

If you're considering a prenatal paternity test, consult a trusted provider to ensure accuracy, safety, and peace of mind throughout the process.

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