Is high white blood cell count in pregnant women physiological

Elevated white blood cell count in pregnant women's blood routine is usually physiological and may be related to factors such as hormonal changes and increased blood volume during pregnancy. Mild increase in white blood cell count during pregnancy is a normal phenomenon, but if accompanied by symptoms such as fever and pain, pathological elevation should be noted. During pregnancy, the levels of estrogen and progesterone in women's bodies significantly increase, which stimulates active bone marrow hematopoietic function and leads to an increase in the number of white blood cell subsets such as neutrophils. At the same time, the blood volume of pregnant women can increase by more than 40% in the middle and late stages of pregnancy, and the blood dilution effect can also cause a relative increase in white blood cell count. This physiological elevation often occurs in the middle and late stages of pregnancy, with a white blood cell count generally not exceeding 15 × 10 ⁹/L and no other abnormal symptoms.

When the white blood cell count of pregnant women continues to exceed 15 × 10 ⁹/L or rises sharply in a short term, it is necessary to consider the possibility of infectious diseases, such as urinary tract infection, upper respiratory tract infection, etc. Bacterial infections are often accompanied by an increase in the proportion of neutrophils and left shift of the nucleus. Complications such as preeclampsia and preeclampsia, which are unique to pregnancy, may also lead to abnormal increase in white blood cells, often accompanied by elevated blood pressure and proteinuria.

It is recommended that pregnant women undergo regular prenatal check ups and dynamically monitor changes in blood routine indicators. Daily attention should be paid to maintaining perineal hygiene, dietary hygiene, and avoiding raw and cold foods. When symptoms such as fever, chills, painful urination, and abnormal vaginal discharge occur, seek medical attention promptly and avoid self medication with antibiotics. Doctors will make comprehensive judgments based on inflammatory indicators such as C-reactive protein and procalcitonin, and if necessary, perform auxiliary diagnosis such as urine culture and vaginal secretion testing.