Prenatal Paternity Testing in Missouri

Non‑invasive prenatal paternity testing uses a standard blood draw from the pregnant mother and a cheek swab from the alleged father to compare the baby’s DNA to the father’s DNA markers, without disturbing the pregnancy. In Missouri, genetic test results showing at least a 98% probability that a man is the father create a legal presumption of paternity when testing is done through an AABB‑accredited lab under the state’s paternity statutes, as explained in guides on court‑ordered DNA testing in Missouri and Missouri legal DNA testing laws.

Most non‑invasive prenatal paternity tests can be performed starting around the 7th week of pregnancy, counted from the first day of your last menstrual period. Many Missourians coordinate early testing with prenatal care through MO HealthNet for Pregnant Women and Newborns, which provides full Medicaid benefits during pregnancy and at least 12 months of postpartum coverage, as described in MO HealthNet’s pregnancy services overview and FAQs for pregnant women.

NIPP is considered low‑risk because it uses a routine maternal blood draw and avoids invasive procedures like amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling. This blood‑based approach fits with Missouri’s broader focus on early prenatal care through MO HealthNet and the Show‑Me Healthy Babies program, which cover prenatal visits, ultrasounds, hospital delivery, care management, transportation, and limited postpartum care for eligible women, as summarized in the Show‑Me Healthy Babies fact sheet and state materials on pregnancy services for women with MO HealthNet managed care.

Legal prenatal paternity tests that follow strict chain‑of‑custody procedures can be used in Missouri cases involving child support, custody, and visitation once the child is born. Missouri law authorizes the Family Support Division director or a court to order genetic testing in IV‑D paternity actions, and test results with a 98% or higher probability of paternity may be used to enter a paternity order, as outlined in Missouri Revised Statutes § 454.485 and explained in DOSS and court brochures on establishing paternity.

Most private plans and MO HealthNet treat prenatal paternity testing as an elective, non‑covered service, even though MO HealthNet and Show‑Me Healthy Babies cover medically necessary prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum services. Pregnant Missourians whose income meets program limits can qualify for MO HealthNet for Pregnant Women or Show‑Me Healthy Babies, which provide full prenatal care, hospital delivery costs, and at least 12 months of postpartum coverage, as detailed in MO HealthNet’s pregnancy FAQs and the Show‑Me Healthy Babies program fact sheet.

Missouri residents can access prenatal visits, ultrasounds, nutrition counseling, and postpartum care through MO HealthNet and county health departments, with covered services and eligibility explained in MO HealthNet’s pages on pregnancy services and local health‑department information about temporary Medicaid for pregnant women. Managed‑care plans that serve MO HealthNet members also offer maternity supports such as home‑visiting referrals, lactation help, and care coordination, as described in the state’s pregnancy services overview.

For legal questions about custody, child support, or how DNA testing affects your parental rights, you can start with the Missouri Department of Social Services’ page on establishing paternity and its paternity information brochure provided through the Family Support Division and ShowMeRights.org’s paternity resources. You can also consult Missouri Bar and family‑law resources—such as guides on establishing paternity through court‑ordered DNA testing and legal steps and implications of paternity in Missouri—or work with a Missouri family‑law attorney experienced in paternity actions, as described in practice pages like paternity in Missouri child‑support cases.

No, previous pregnancies do not interfere with NIPP results. The test isolates fetal DNA specific to the current pregnancy, ensuring accurate results regardless of prior pregnancies.

Yes, testing is possible if potential fathers are related, but additional analysis may be required to distinguish between their DNA profiles. Informing the lab about this relationship ensures more precise testing.

No, since the multiples will share the same DNA, it will be impossible to determine how many & which is which.

Yes! Both legal and non-legal NIPP tests include free gender determination as part of your results package.