Should parents get DNA testing while pregnant - Essay Example

The genetic material of a person is hence derived from the genetic material of both parents in equal amounts. Comparing the genetic material of one individual to that of another will show whether one of them was derived from the other. There are two types of testing, chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis. Chorionic villus is usually done ten to twelve weeks. It involves taking a small sample of some cells from the placenta that contains the same genetic material as that of the fetus. It can be checked for chromosomal abnormalities and other genetic disorders.

Amniocentesis is considered the gold standard. It is done between the fifteenth and twentieth week of pregnancy by extracting from amniotic fluid. The fluid contains cells that are from the fetus with genetic information about the unborn child. DNA testing done can be done early in pregnancy. It can be done in the first trimester of pregnancy. Neither the baby nor the mother is placed at risk during the test since it’s not a medical procedure, but only requires a collection of blood from the mother and father.

The process involves microarray technology by analyzing a baby’s DNA that is found naturally in the mother’s bloodstream. Amniocentesis is normally done at the end of the first trimester (Arulkumaran, pp. 18). There are various reasons for either the mother or the potential father wanting to know the biological paternity of the unborn baby. Peace of mind to a pregnant mother is essential since any added stress can be harmful to her and her baby. DNA testing normally has a 99.99% of accuracy.

Knowing that the DNA test has a high degree of accuracy ascertains the tested person certainly would be the biological father of the child. A DNA test done during pregnancy confirming paternity can pave the way for legal and medical benefits for a child that is born to unmarried parents. In order to have the results