Is it normal to have high white blood cells during pregnancy?
Is it normal to have high white blood cells during pregnancy?
Usually, a high white blood cell count means that your body is defending itself from an illness or disease and is under stress. However, during pregnancy, it is normal to have a high white blood cell count reading. After all, your body is under so much stress just by being pregnant.
What happens when WBC increases in pregnancy?
White Blood Cells This is because your body is going through a lot of stress just being pregnant. Usually, a high WBC count indicates an infection or something else that your body is trying to fight off.
What causes white blood cells to increase?
Causes of an elevated white blood cell count include infection, abnormalities in the bone marrow, smoking, chronic lung disease, immune disorders, inflammatory or allergic reactions or even physical and emotional stress.
Can high WBC cause miscarriage?
Elevated platelet and WBC counts in the first trimester are associated with increased risk of miscarriage, increased risk of preterm delivery and relatively increased risk of PPROM. This can serve as an early warning for adverse pregnancy outcome.
What are the causes of increased white blood cells?
The following conditions can cause white blood cell counts to be high:
- Viral or bacterial infection.
- Inflammation.
- Excessive physical or emotional stress (such as fever, injury, or surgery)
- Burns.
- Immune system disorders such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
- Thyroid problems.
What is the normal range of WBC in pregnancy?
The average white cell count during pregnancy is about 9-15k. It increases up to term, and can go as high as 25k during labor. Platelets, on the other hand, remain in the normal non-pregnant range but mean platelet counts may be slightly lower than in healthy non-pregnant women.
When does WBC increase in pregnancy?
Few hours after delivery, healthy women have been documented as having a WBC count varying from 9,000 to 25,000/cumm. By 4 weeks post-delivery, typical WBC ranges are similar to those in healthy non-pregnant women.
Is high white blood cells (WBC) count in pregnancy harmful?
High white blood cell count often results from disorders of the immune system, autoimmune system and blood . Symptoms associated with high WBC count include dizziness, headache and localized inflammation . In some cases women may have high white blood cell count in pregnancy.
What does a high white blood cell count in pregnancy mean?
High White Blood Cell Count During Pregnancy. Your white blood cell ( WBC ) count signifies the status of your immune system. A high white blood cell count usually indicates that you have a bacterial or viral infection. High white blood cell count often results from disorders of the immune system, autoimmune system and blood.
What foods increase white blood cells?
Zinc is one of the best foods to increase white blood cells you should consume. Shellfish and dark meat are full of zinc. According to a 2019 study, zinc plays an important role in improving human health [7].
What causes elevated WBC in pregnancy?
Pregnancy can also cause a high or slightly elevated white blood cell count. However, other factors like stress, smoking, or allergies can elevate your white blood cell count. Doctors also check for abnormal WBC levels if they suspect an autoimmune condition, blood disorder, or problem with your immune system.
