Many families want paternity answers before the baby arrives. Non-invasive prenatal paternity (NIPP) testing makes that possible without any procedure that involves the pregnancy itself.
How NIPP testing works
During pregnancy, small fragments of the baby's DNA circulate in the mother's bloodstream. A NIPP test analyzes a blood sample from the mother and a cheek swab from the alleged father, then compares the DNA.
When it can be done
NIPP testing is typically available from around 7 weeks of pregnancy onward. Your healthcare provider can help confirm how far along you are.
What to expect
- A blood draw from the mother
- A simple cheek swab from the alleged father
- Samples are sent to an accredited laboratory for analysis
Is it safe?
The test only requires a standard blood draw from the mother, so there is no procedure involving the baby. As always, talk with your doctor about any questions specific to your pregnancy.
Learn more on our NIPP testing page or explore our prenatal paternity service.
This article is for general education and is not medical advice.