GSTM1 and anemia (phenotype): Anaemia in pregnancy is categorised by the WHO as a problem of public health significance.3,4 Mild anaemia in pregnancy is associated with premature delivery, low birth weight and placental hypertrophy.3,4,15 Patients with anaemia have reduced resistance to some bacterial infections.7 The condition may be associated with more than 39% of maternal deaths.16 The risk of maternal death is higher in patients with severe anaemia compared to those with normal Hb.17