ACOG technical bulletin. Hemoglobinopathies in pregnancy. Number 220--February 1996 (replaces no. 185, October 1993). Committee on Technical Bulletins of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Hemoglobinopathies, while relatively uncommon among obstetric patients, can be associated with a variety of effects on the mother, fetus, or newborn. The effects range from absence of clinical disease to severe morbidity and death. Through the obstetrician-gynecologist's high index of suspicion based on clinical history and a close working relationship with a consultant hematologist, pregnancy outcome in patients with these disorders can be improved. Since most hemoglobinopathies are inherited as autosomal recessive conditions, screening, counseling, and prenatal diagnosis are important components of prenatal care for these women.