Anaemia during pregnancy is of great concern because it contributes significantly to increased risk of maternal death during the prenatal period. Anaemia increases the risk of postpartum haemorrhage, pregnancy-induced hypertension, placenta praevia, haemorrhage and cardiac failure. Overall, 20-40% of the estimated 50 000 maternal deaths worldwide associated with child birth or the postpartum period are attributed to anaemia during pregnancy. Anaemia is also an established risk factor for intrauterine growth retardation and subsequent low birth weight, preterm delivery, prenatal death.