Sickle cell and thalassaemia are blood disorders that can be passed down to babies by their parents. Babies found to have the condition(s) may need additional care throughout their life.
Women from an African, Caribbean, South Asian or Mediterranean background are more likely to carry sickle cell and will be offered the screening test for this. In some areas this test will be offered to all women, and all women will also be offered the test for thalassaemia.
It is important to get screened as early as possible for sickle cell and thalassaemia so you can find out if your baby has a chance of inheriting these conditions, and make an informed decision about what to do next.
