How Much Is a DNA Test While Pregnant? Costs Explained

A DNA test while pregnant typically costs between $400 and $2,000 for non-invasive prenatal paternity testing, while at-home paternity test kits (used after birth) range from $100 to $300. The exact price depends on the type of test, whether it is for legal purposes, and the testing facility. Health insurance generally does not cover prenatal paternity testing, so you will likely pay out of pocket. Our breakdown of How Soon Can a Goat Get Pregnant After Giving Birth covers the related details.

Prenatal DNA testing can determine the biological father of a baby before birth. The most common method is non-invasive prenatal paternity (NIPP) testing, which analyzes fetal DNA in the mother's blood. This test is safe and can be done as early as the eighth week of pregnancy. Invasive tests like amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS) are also options but carry small risks of miscarriage or infection. Below, we break down the costs, types, and factors that affect pricing.

Types of DNA Tests During Pregnancy and Their Costs

There are three main types of prenatal DNA tests, each with different costs and risk profiles:

• Non-invasive prenatal paternity (NIPP) test: This is the safest option. It requires only a blood draw from the mother and a cheek swab from the potential father. The cost typically ranges from $400 to $2,000, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Some providers, like AlphaBiolabs, offer NIPP testing for $675 with results in about five business days.
• Amniocentesis: This invasive test is performed between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy. A doctor inserts a thin needle through the abdomen to collect amniotic fluid. The cost is often higher due to the medical procedure involved, and it carries a small risk of miscarriage or premature labor. Prices can exceed $1,000 when combined with lab fees.
• Chorionic villus sampling (CVS): CVS is done earlier, between 10 and 13 weeks after the last menstrual period. A sample of chorionic villi is taken from the placenta through the cervix or abdomen. Like amniocentesis, it is invasive and carries risks. The cost is comparable to amniocentesis, often ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 or more.

For comparison, a standard paternity test after the baby is born using cheek swabs costs much less. At-home kits range from $100 to $300, while legal paternity tests in a medical setting can cost up to $500, according to Cleveland Clinic. For the next step, read our overview of Had Sex Then Got Period: Can You Still Be Pregnant.

Factors That Influence the Cost of a Prenatal DNA Test

Several factors can affect how much you pay for a DNA test while pregnant:

• Type of test: Non-invasive tests are generally less expensive than invasive procedures because they do not require a doctor's involvement or hospital fees. However, NIPP tests are still more costly than postnatal tests due to the complexity of isolating fetal DNA from maternal blood.
• Testing facility and location: Prices vary by provider and geographic region. Some labs charge more for expedited results or additional services. For example, AlphaBiolabs offers NIPP testing for $675, but other facilities may charge up to $2,000.
• Legal vs. non-legal testing: If you need results for court, child support, or custody, you will need a legal paternity test with a strict chain of custody. Legal tests are more expensive because they require witnessed sample collection and additional documentation. Non-legal tests are cheaper but not admissible in court.
• Insurance coverage: Health insurance typically does not cover prenatal paternity testing because it is not considered medically necessary. AlphaBiolabs states that prenatal paternity testing is not covered by insurance. You should check with your provider, but expect to pay out of pocket.

Is a DNA Test While Pregnant Free or Covered by Insurance?

In most cases, a DNA test while pregnant is not free and is not covered by health insurance. Paternity testing is considered a personal or legal matter, not a medical necessity, so insurance companies generally do not reimburse the cost. Some community health centers or social service programs may offer free or low-cost paternity testing in certain situations, such as for child support enforcement, but these are rare and usually require eligibility. You can also explore Why Pregnant Women Hold Their Bellies for a closer comparison.

If you are considering a prenatal paternity test, budget for the full cost. The cheapest option is a non-invasive prenatal paternity test from a direct-to-consumer lab, which may cost around $400 to $675. Invasive tests through a hospital or clinic will be more expensive due to procedure fees.

How to Choose the Right Prenatal DNA Test

When deciding which test to take, consider the following:

• Safety: Non-invasive prenatal paternity testing is completely safe for both mother and baby. Amniocentesis and CVS carry small risks of miscarriage and infection. Discuss these risks with your healthcare provider.
• Timing: NIPP can be done as early as 8 weeks, while amniocentesis is only available after 15 weeks and CVS between 10 and 13 weeks. If you need results early, NIPP is the best option.
• Accuracy: DNA paternity tests are highly accurate, but the exact accuracy rate for NIPP is not specified in the sources. Amniocentesis and CVS are also highly accurate but are used less often for paternity because of their risks.
• Legal requirements: If you need the results for court, ensure the test is performed with a chain of custody. Many at-home kits are not legally admissible. Look for a lab accredited by the AABB or similar organization.

What to Expect During the Testing Process

For a non-invasive prenatal paternity test, the process is straightforward:

1. Order a kit or schedule an appointment: You can order a kit online from a reputable lab or visit a testing facility. Some labs require a doctor's order for blood collection.
2. Collect samples: The mother provides a blood sample, usually drawn at a lab or clinic. The potential father provides a cheek swab. In some cases, the mother's cheek swab is also collected to help with analysis.
3. Send samples to the lab: The samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis. Results typically take 5 to 10 business days, though some labs offer expedited options for an additional fee.
4. Receive results: You will receive a report indicating the probability of paternity. A result of 99.9% or higher means the tested man is almost certainly the biological father. A result of 0% means he is excluded.

For invasive tests like amniocentesis or CVS, the procedure is performed by a doctor in a hospital or clinic. You will need to schedule an appointment and may need to rest afterward. Results may take longer, sometimes up to several weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Prenatal DNA Test Costs

Can I get a free DNA test while pregnant?

Free prenatal DNA tests are extremely rare. Some nonprofit organizations or government programs may offer free paternity testing in cases of child support or custody disputes, but these are typically postnatal tests. You should not expect to find a free prenatal paternity test.

Does insurance cover a paternity test while pregnant?

No, health insurance does not cover prenatal paternity testing. It is considered an elective test, not medically necessary. You will need to pay out of pocket.

How much does a DNA test for an unborn baby cost without insurance?

Without insurance, a non-invasive prenatal paternity test costs between $400 and $2,000. The price varies by lab and whether you need legal documentation.

Will an OBGYN do a DNA test while pregnant?

An OBGYN can order or perform invasive prenatal tests like amniocentesis or CVS, but these are typically done for medical reasons, not solely for paternity. For a non-invasive paternity test, you can go to a lab directly without a doctor's order in many cases.

For more detailed information on the procedure and accuracy of DNA paternity tests, visit Cleveland Clinic. The American Pregnancy Association also provides guidance on DNA testing while pregnant. For a breakdown of costs, see CHC Florida's cost guide. AlphaBiolabs offers specific pricing for prenatal paternity testing. You can also explore When Should I Take a Pregnancy Test? Timing for Accuracy for a closer comparison.