Couples who have a family origin which places them at a higher risk of having a pregnancy affected by a haemoglobinopathy should ideally be counselled before embarking on a pregnancy.
They should initially be offered blood screening to determine the possible carrier status of the woman.
Blood screening is performed in the local haematology laboratory by carrying out a full blood count and sickle cell screen.
If the woman is a carrier, then her partner should also be offered testing.
If the status of both individuals could result in a pregnancy affected by a haemoglobinopathy, the couple should be offered genetic counselling.
Possible options that may be discussed include Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) or prenatal diagnosis by way of:
