DNA Testing Early in Pregnancy
There are many reasons why a pregnant woman may seek DNA testing. Paternity can be established through DNA tests. Testing can also identify the presence of medical conditions and birth defects. Parents who are considered high-risk for certain conditions may benefit from the knowledge of the presence of a condition in a fetus, and it provides preparation for care options.
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Amniocentesis
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Between weeks 16 and 18, a sample of the amniotic fluid can be taken, using a thin hollow needle. The fluid is tested to determine genetic problems and gender of the fetus. Although it carries a slight risk of miscarriage, due to the puncture of the amniotic sac by the needle, it can be beneficial in identifying potential problems.
Chorionic Villus Sampling
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Chorionic Villus Sampling, also known as CVS, is another means of conducting early genetic tests. A small portion of the placenta is sampled by a doctor and tested for genetic conditions. Like amniocentesis, the chance of miscarriage is elevated.
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Establishing Paternity
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Paternity testing can be done during pregnancy via an amniocentesis or CVS. For women who may be unsure who the father of the child is, for those who are no longer in a relationship with the father but want rights to social services, or for women who have remarried, establishing paternity is important. Legal and social service benefits are dependent upon proven paternity. The American Pregnancy Association also contends that establishment of paternity can strengthen the father-child bond.
Some states require non-married couples to file an AOP, or Acknowledgment of Paternity form to identify the father. If the mother has not been married within the previous 300 days, and is not currently married, no father can be identified on the birth certificate without the AOP form, which is recorded by the Bureau of Vital Statistics.
History of Illness or Miscarriage
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In mothers who have had several consecutive miscarriages or in families who have a history of a particular condition, DNA testing can help identify potential issues. Couples who have experienced the birth of a child with a birth defect or genetic condition previously also are candidates for testing. Parents who have had exposure to conditions or toxins known to cause defects may also consider DNA testing.
Age
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Women that conceive over the age of 34 are at an increased risk of having a child with birth defects, such as trisomy 13, known as Down Syndrome. Fathers with an advanced age are at risk of increased or new genetic mutations. These mutations may be caused by defects not previously present in family history.
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References
- Photo Credit pregnant woman image by Frenk_Danielle Kaufmann from Fotolia.com
