How Early Can a Paternity Test Be Performed?
A paternity test establishes the father of a child, which may place the biological father as the legal father. The child may then be eligible to benefits entitled to the father, such as social security. Confirming the biological father of a child also provides a more complete picture of family medical history. Earliest Prenatal Testing A doctor may administer a paternity test as early as 10 to 13 weeks into the pregnancy through Chorionic Villus Sampling Later Prenatal Testing By the second trimester of pregnancy, an amniocentesis, which tests the amniotic fluid, may be performed. Risks Amniocentesis carries a slight risk of harming the baby, leaking of amniotic fluid, cramping, vaginal bleeding, and miscarriage. Postnatal Testing Postnatal testing, which is a DNA test, includes cheek swab, blood test, urine test, and umbilical cord testing. Considerations A paternity test may cost from $400 to $2000 depending on the type chosen.
