Anaemia (low blood)
Why anaemia is common in women and girls, its signs, and how to prevent it.
✓ Clinically reviewed · Catherine, RN & Juah, RN
When should I get help?
- If you often feel very tired, dizzy or short of breath.
- If you are pregnant, ask about anaemia checks at antenatal care.
- If your periods are very heavy.
Key things to remember
- Anaemia is very common in women and pregnant women.
- Eat iron-rich foods with vitamin C.
- Prevent malaria and treat heavy periods.
📖 Read the full lesson
Anaemia means there are too few red blood cells or too little haemoglobin, so the body does not get enough oxygen. It is very common in women and girls — about 3 in 10 women and nearly 4 in 10 pregnant women worldwide — and Africa is among the most affected regions.
Common signs are tiredness, dizziness, cold hands and feet, headache and shortness of breath when active. Severe anaemia can cause pale skin and nails and a fast heartbeat.
Causes include lack of iron and other nutrients, blood loss from heavy periods or childbirth, and infections such as malaria and worms. In pregnancy, anaemia is linked to babies born early or small and to deaths of mothers.
To help prevent it: eat iron-rich foods such as fish, meat, poultry, beans and dark green leafy vegetables, together with foods rich in vitamin C; avoid tea and coffee with iron-rich meals; prevent and treat malaria and worms; wash hands with soap and use clean toilets; space pregnancies at least 2 years apart; and get heavy periods treated. Take supplements only if a health worker recommends them.
📚 Sources
- World Health Organization — Anaemia (fact sheet) 10 Feb 2025 · accessed 1 Nov 2026
Written in plain language from these sources. It does not imply endorsement by these organizations.
HH-ART-021 · Version 1.0 · Last updated 4 Nov 2026
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