Determining paternity of an unborn baby
For many women, one of the most important questions to answer is the identity of the father of her unborn baby. Determining paternity helps women understand the physical, emotional, and financial responsibilities of their child.
Getting a paternity test
The most common way to determine the paternity of an unborn baby is through a paternity test. Such tests are both non-invasive and accurate, and they can be conducted in the privacy of your own home.
During a paternity test, samples of the potential father’s DNA and that of the fetus are collected and compared. If the two DNA samples show a match, then the potential father is identified as the biological father of the baby. If the two do not match, then the potential father is not the biological father of the baby.
DNA Testing
Once a paternity test has been performed, the paternity of the unborn baby can be legally established. Most states in the US now recognize DNA testing as a valid means of establishing paternity.
DNA testing can also be used to help establish the paternity of a baby after birth. Here, the mother, baby and potential father are tested to determine the paternity of the baby.
Other possibilities
There are other ways of determining the paternity of a baby, such as:
- Family History: The family history of the potential father may help establish paternity. Sometimes, it is possible for the potential father to provide a detailed family history that can prove that they are indeed the biological father.
- Blood Tests: Sometimes blood tests can be used to identify the paternity of a baby, but they are not as reliable as a DNA test.
- Medical Evidence: It is possible to use medical evidence, such as ultrasound images, to identify the paternity of a baby. However, this is not as reliable as DNA tests and is not always accepted as evidence in courts.
No matter what method is used to determine the paternity of a baby, it is important that the mother and potential father discuss their feelings about the outcome. Talking through the situation can help ensure that everyone is comfortable with the outcome, no matter what it may be.