The thalassemia syndromes are the most common group of hemoglobinopathies. These genetic disorders are inherited defects of hemoglobin as a result of globin synthesis. The presentation can be varied and even undetected in mild forms and will be unmasked during pregnancy. They usually present with various degrees of anemia. The syndromes are divided into two main groups, the alpha and the beta thalassemias depending on whether the alpha or beta chain synthesis of adult hemoglobin is depressed, viz.: (i) Alpha thalassemia where one to four of the alpha genes are deleted and (ii) Beta thalassemia where one to two of the beta genes are deleted. Rhesus-negative mothers who have become sensitized to the D antigen with a rhesus-positive fetus develop anti-Dantibodies. This can cross the placenta and attack the blood of rhesus-positive fetuses in subsequent pregnancies. This will lead to destruction and removal of rhesus-positive fetal red blood cells in maternal and fetal circulations. This condition is usually referred to as rhesus isoimmunization. Hence, doing indirect Coomb’s test is mandatory for all Rh-negative women if their partners are Rh-positive. All Rh-negative mothers who deliver an Rh-positive baby should get anti-D injection within 36 hours of delivery.