Prenatal DNA test

[Tlhxx]

Sorry I am un sure on which category to post this in..

Posting on behalf of a friend..

She is currently pregnant but unsure of the father ( one of two guys). Both men are aware of the situation and are agreeing to a prenatal DNA test so they will know before the baby is born.

Has anyone else had a prenatal DNA test? If so what company did you use and did you get the correct results?

TIA x

A prenatal test carries some risks to the pregnancy depending on type of test. I would say better to wait for baby to be born and then test. Likely prefer to know sooner rather than later but I can't see what a few months difference will logically make. Sorry, don't know where to test but maybe ask midwife? Surely come across this before.

There is a pregnancy section in "Becoming a parent" - in case that helps.

It moved :) Hopefully might get more prenatal related advice about this x

@Lizadork it's just a blood sample from the mother they get the babies dna from that

@Lizadork the tests need a blood test from mum and a cheek swab from the potential father - no physical risk from that. Some emotional is suppose. Surely better to ascertain the paternity before the baby is born though?

*some emotional risk - sorry fat thumbs!

They weren't going to DNA prenatal test like that with Bridget Jones, extent of my knowledge hence saying about risk and checking what type of test. Good if just bloods from mum and a swap from potential dads.

www.cellmark.co.uk/dna-testing/paternity-dna-test/#pricing
This company is court approved .
It is best to submit samples after birth

I don't have any personal experience of it but I've done a google search and you can do a non-invasive swab or a blood test for it. My friend did an early blood test to find out the gender so it's a bit like that, they look at the fetal DNA in the mother's blood stream. It does look pricey though! I couldn't find any test for less than £800 which is much more than I was expecting and reading a New Scientist article, it doesn't look particularly reliable especially if the fetus is a girl:
www.newscientist.com/article/mg20827893-200-the-danger-of-unreliable-paternity-tests/

If it was me though I'd want to know, and presumably the potential dads do too so they can be involved, but it's a lot of money for something that may not be 100% reliable.

Alternatively, the invasive test (amniocentesis) is around 99% effective but higher risk as it involves a needle inserted through the cervix to take a sample from the fluid around the baby. It has to be done later - from around 15 - 20th week. It's the test they use in the NHS to determine genetic or chromosomal conditions in at risk mothers. I couldn't find many companies offering this except the 'London Womens Clinic' for £1350.