Is it normal for newborns to have high white blood cell count in their blood routine

A high white blood cell count in a newborn's blood routine may be a normal phenomenon, or it may be caused by pathological factors such as infection. After birth, the white blood cell count of newborns is usually higher than that of adults, and it gradually decreases as they grow and develop. If the white blood cell count is slightly high and there are no other abnormal manifestations, it is mostly a physiological change; If accompanied by fever, milk refusal and other symptoms, you need to be alert to infectious diseases. The normal range of white blood cell count in newborns is different from that in adults, reaching 15-30 × 10 ⁹/L at birth and gradually decreasing within 72 hours after birth. Physiological leukocytosis is common in response to childbirth stress, maternal hormone effects, or changes in environmental temperature. Premature infants, cesarean section infants, or low birth weight infants may experience more significant fluctuations in white blood cells. This type of situation usually does not require special treatment, regular blood routine check is sufficient. Pathological leukocytosis should consider bacterial infections such as sepsis and pneumonia, viral infections such as cytomegalovirus infection, or hematological diseases. If the white blood cell count exceeds 30 × 10 ⁹/L, the proportion of neutrophils increases abnormally, or there is a phenomenon of nuclear left shift, it often indicates the presence of infection. Children with early-onset sepsis may present with symptoms such as unstable body temperature, apnea, and skin patterns. At this point, blood culture and C-reactive protein tests should be performed to determine the cause. When parents discover abnormal blood routine in newborns, they should record feeding conditions, temperature changes, and mental state. Maintain a suitable room temperature to avoid excessive wrapping that affects heat dissipation. breastfeeding helps to enhance immunity and ensure nutritional intake through on-demand breastfeeding. Doctors may recommend a follow-up blood routine examination 48-72 hours later to dynamically observe changes in indicators. If there are critical symptoms such as drowsiness, convulsions, and skin bruising, immediate emergency treatment is required.