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Pregnancy (Expert Forum)
Is a DNA paternity test needed in this case?
Answered by
Elaine Brown, MD - Pregnancy, Gynecology
Elaine Brown, MD - BLOG
Billings - MT
This forum is for questions and support regarding Caesarean Section , Childbirth, Diabetes, Depression, Fetal Monitoring, Genetic Testing, Hormonal Changes, Labor, Lamaze, Morning Sickness , Nutrition, Parenting, Prenatal Care, Weight gain.
Is a DNA paternity test needed in this case?
by confuzedpartner, Oct 19, 2009 12:54PM
Good day Doctors!
I have some queries regarding paternity testing. In summary, I want to know if a paternity test is needed in this situation. Here is some information from the ultrasound scan to help you in advising me.
======================
Data from Ultrasound
======================
LMP was unknown and was derived only from ultrasound calculations.
Ultrasound peformed on 3 Feb 2009. Age of gestation: 6 Weeks 3 Days
Mean Sac diameter of 20mm is 6 Weeks 3 Days
Fetal pole and Yolk sac noticed
CRL measures 6mm corresponding to 6 Weeks 4 Days
Heart rate measures 150 beats per minute
Cervical length measures 40mm
EDD is 26 Sep 2009
Impression: Single live intrauterine gestation of an average of 6 Weeks 2 Days
Baby was delivered on 09 Sep 2009 (earlier than the EDD).
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I was with the mother on 22 Nov 2008. We had unprotected sex. (I believe there was no penetration, however you can ignore this for the sake of hypothesis). She had unprotected relations with partner #2 on 20 Dec 2008 and after.
Questions:
========
1> How accurate are ultrasounds in determining the conception date to determine paternity?
2> When is the date of conception? - based on EDD and based on the actual delivery date
3> I want to know if it is clear from the information provided above that a paternity test is not needed in my case?
I have read on paternity testing sites who advice that "If one is seeking the estimated date of conception for paternity reasons, and intercourse with two different partners took place within 10 days of each other, we strongly encourage that paternity testing be done".
There is a month's difference between my liaison with the mother and her other liaison, can I be sure that testing for paternity is not required and I can be confident of 100% exclusion even if I go in for one?
Thanks and appreciate if you can give me a quick reply at the earliest.
I have some queries regarding paternity testing. In summary, I want to know if a paternity test is needed in this situation. Here is some information from the ultrasound scan to help you in advising me.
======================
Data from Ultrasound
======================
LMP was unknown and was derived only from ultrasound calculations.
Ultrasound peformed on 3 Feb 2009. Age of gestation: 6 Weeks 3 Days
Mean Sac diameter of 20mm is 6 Weeks 3 Days
Fetal pole and Yolk sac noticed
CRL measures 6mm corresponding to 6 Weeks 4 Days
Heart rate measures 150 beats per minute
Cervical length measures 40mm
EDD is 26 Sep 2009
Impression: Single live intrauterine gestation of an average of 6 Weeks 2 Days
Baby was delivered on 09 Sep 2009 (earlier than the EDD).
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I was with the mother on 22 Nov 2008. We had unprotected sex. (I believe there was no penetration, however you can ignore this for the sake of hypothesis). She had unprotected relations with partner #2 on 20 Dec 2008 and after.
Questions:
========
1> How accurate are ultrasounds in determining the conception date to determine paternity?
2> When is the date of conception? - based on EDD and based on the actual delivery date
3> I want to know if it is clear from the information provided above that a paternity test is not needed in my case?
I have read on paternity testing sites who advice that "If one is seeking the estimated date of conception for paternity reasons, and intercourse with two different partners took place within 10 days of each other, we strongly encourage that paternity testing be done".
There is a month's difference between my liaison with the mother and her other liaison, can I be sure that testing for paternity is not required and I can be confident of 100% exclusion even if I go in for one?
Thanks and appreciate if you can give me a quick reply at the earliest.
Doctor's Answer
by Elaine Brown, MD, Oct 25, 2009 11:19PM
, Oct 25, 2009 11:19PMTo: confuzedpartner
Hi!
I can't advise you whether or not to have the test, but, I will tell you what I can:
An early first trimester ultrasound is accurate within plus or minus 3-4 days.
A pregnancy is considered to be full term when it goes to 37 weeks and beyond.
The baby was born at 37 and 5/7 weeks. The conception date calculated by the ultrasound date ( more accurate than the birth date) would be 1/4/09. For the sake of completeness, the conception date assuming that the pregnancy was 40 weeks on the baby's birth date of 9/9/09 would be 12/18/08.
I think that most likely bachelor #2 is the winner, but, if a paternity test is done, (cost approx $1000) particularly if it is done on all concerned, it should be about 99% accurate.
If you want permanent peace of mind, it might be wise to be tested--if #2 is confirmed as the father, then you don't need the test.
I hope this helps!
Good luck!
Dr B
I can't advise you whether or not to have the test, but, I will tell you what I can:
An early first trimester ultrasound is accurate within plus or minus 3-4 days.
A pregnancy is considered to be full term when it goes to 37 weeks and beyond.
The baby was born at 37 and 5/7 weeks. The conception date calculated by the ultrasound date ( more accurate than the birth date) would be 1/4/09. For the sake of completeness, the conception date assuming that the pregnancy was 40 weeks on the baby's birth date of 9/9/09 would be 12/18/08.
I think that most likely bachelor #2 is the winner, but, if a paternity test is done, (cost approx $1000) particularly if it is done on all concerned, it should be about 99% accurate.
If you want permanent peace of mind, it might be wise to be tested--if #2 is confirmed as the father, then you don't need the test.
I hope this helps!
Good luck!
Dr B
Post Comment
Thanks for the advice, and apologies for my late reply.
Yes, I understand where you are coming from as far as paternity testing. But, as I am in a piquant situation right now and I would be unable to get the paternity test done.
Can I put my mind to rest with just the assurance from the dating of the scan and that it was a month too early for conception to occur on Nov 22, as my sexual contact was ten months before the baby was born?
Appreciate your advice.