10x single cell mRNA sequencing of transcervical swabs of pregnant donors at 5.2, 7.6, and 10.2 weeks of gestation
Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) using cell free fetal DNA has transformed prenatal care by allowing risk assessment for a number of fetal genetic conditions without posing risk to the pregnancy. However, its limitations, including low fetal fraction and high DNA fragmentation, restrict its capacity for comprehensive genomic analysis. As an alternative, cell-based NIPT offers the potential to capture intact fetal cells for more detailed genetic interrogation. Cervical mucosa is a promising source for fetal DNA as it can be collected non-invasively as early as 5 weeks into the pregnancy and contains intact fetal cells.   We performed single cell mRNA squencing of transcervical swabs and placental samples from pregant donors at multiple gestational ages to identify potential fetal cells.