Haemoglobinopathy is a disease of the blood that is characterized by the presence of abnormal hemoglobin's in your blood. They are generally hereditary and are transferred from one generation to the other. Screening during the early periods of maternity is very important factor of good maternity care and a key entitlement for the expecting mother and her baby. Haemoglobinopathy is a hereditary disorder affecting the balance of globin chain synthesis and also the structure of hemoglobin. These abnormalities cannot be detected through the simple blood examinations. It is evident only by the hemoglobin electrophoresis. It is found more often in people residing in the Mediterranean Basin, Polynesia, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and The Subcontinent.

The Haemoglobinopathy screening program during pregnancy should be done in order to:

* Improve the health of the baby by promptly identifying affected infants.

* Help the people for making informed choices during their pregnancy and before they conceive.

* Provide quality care and access to the people.

Every expecting mother should agree to the blood tests suggested by the doctor to see that the blood forms are completed properly. Haemoglobinopathy is a must to see that they do not suffer from Thalassaemia and Sickle Cell Disease. These are the disease of the blood due to improper levels of hemoglobin. Sickle Cell is a condition affecting the oxygen carrying capacity of the R.B.C's (red Blood Cells). Thalassaemia decreases the quantity of hemoglobin produced by the body.

Antenatal Screening is a blood screening test for identifying the pregnant mother carrying the genes for Thalassaemia, sickle cell and other hemoglobin disorders at the antenatal stage. This screening test offers informed choices as well as supports people for making their decisions. The haemoglobinopathy screening can identify the couples who are the hereditary carriers of the disease as well as the babies who are at the risk of developing the Thalassaemia or the sickle cell disorders. Newborn Screening is done after the birth of the newborn baby for identifying any blood disorders in the infant. The haemoglobinopathy screening during maternity is very beneficial both for the mother and the infant.