Leukocytes are cells that are in the blood in a suspended state and belong to the uniform elements, like red blood cells and platelets. They perform protective functions, protect the body from the harmful effects of viruses and pathogenic microorganisms. Leukocytes are responsible for immunity. The norm in women is from 4 to 9 thousand in 1 microlitre.
How to take a blood test
Various factors can influence the result of the analysis. The following circumstances may increase the number of white blood cells:
- food intake just before taking blood;
- excitement and stress;
- high motor activity;
- pathological processes.
In order for the results of the analysis to be most accurate, blood must be taken in the morning on an empty stomach. It is advisable to relax and sit for about 10 minutes before entering the office, do not worry.
What tests need to be given to a pregnant woman
The health of a pregnant woman after being registered in a women's consultation is under the supervision of a specialist. In order for the pregnancy supervising physician to be able to adequately assess the well-being of the expectant mother, she often has to take various tests:
- a general urine test - is given before every visit to the doctor;
- a common blood test - once a month;
- a gynecologic smear - two times( at registration and on the 30th week).
Special attention in the results of these analyzes is drawn to the level of leukocytes, the norm in women is almost the same as for men. An increase in the number of these cells may indicate the presence of any infection or pathology. Especially dangerous is during pregnancy, becausecan have a very negative impact on the health of the future baby and mother. And an infectious disease, like rubella, suffered in the first trimester of pregnancy, in general, a direct indicator for abortion, becausethe probability of a child with congenital deformities( wolf mouth, hare lip, etc.) is high.
The norm of leukocytes in women who are preparing to become a mother does not differ from those of healthy people. However, in the second half of pregnancy, leukocytes in the blood may increase slightly. This is due to the physiological processes occurring during the bearing of the child.
What is the norm of leukocytes in women
The parameters of leukocytes in women in a general blood test range from 4 to 9 thousand in 1 μl. During pregnancy, starting from 20-22 weeks, they can increase slightly, and by 38 - grow up to 12 thousand in 1 μl. For a pregnant woman, this leukocytosis is normal. This is the body's response to the stimulation of hematopoiesis. On average, at the time of the proposed birth, leukocytosis is increased by 20% - this is a normal physiological process, it does not require treatment. Thus, the norm of leukocytes in a pregnant woman is from 4 to 12 thousand leukocytes in 1 μl of blood.
If the indices are much larger than these values, this may indicate the following pathological processes in the expectant mother:
- is an infectious process provoked by bacteria or viruses;
- allergic reaction;
- injury or bleeding;
- purulent processes;
- kidney disease or other organs.
In any case, with a significant increase in leukocytes in the blood, the doctor will offer to undergo an additional examination and prescribe the necessary treatment or offer immediate hospitalization.
Why should urine often be given during pregnancy?
Pregnant women should be given an urine test before each visit to their doctor in a women's consultation. The fact is that in the process of fetal growth the uterus grows quite large in size and can press on neighboring organs. Kidneys are in the immediate vicinity of the enlarged uterus and may suffer from excessive pressure.
Urine, which is formed in them, must be constantly excreted. This requires free outflow, and if it is broken, then in such a kidney the infection develops rapidly. In this case, white blood cells appear in the urine. The norm in women in their urine is from 0 to 6 cells in the field of view.
With a slight increase in white blood cells in the urine to 10-15 in the field of view, it may be the initial processes of inflammation. In this case, immediate measures should be taken to eliminate it. If the number of leukocytes has increased to 30-50 in the field of vision - this may indicate a purulent process in the kidney or bladder( pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, cystitis).Such processes occur in pregnant women 5 times more often than in other people, and the reason is excessive uterine pressure on the bladder and kidneys, which violates the free flow of urine. The doctor leading the pregnancy will most likely offer hospitalization if the leucocytes in the urine are significantly elevated. The norm in women in this analysis is from 0 to 6 in the field of view. With any increase in white blood cells in the urine, an additional examination is necessary.
In addition, in the analysis of urine, the presence of protein is evaluated. Normally, he should be absent. The appearance of protein in the urine of a pregnant woman can be a sign of inflammatory diseases of the urinary system or late toxicosis( gestosis).
Gestosis is a very dangerous condition that can develop in the second half of pregnancy. Signs of gestosis:
- protein in the urine;
- increased pressure( above 140/90 mm Hg);
- swelling.
This condition requires urgent hospitalization and treatment.
Leukocytes are increased. Smear: the norm in women
A smear from the vagina is taken at every primary visit to the gynecologist. This analysis allows to identify the presence of pathogenic microflora, and also to determine whether leukocytes are increased. The norm in a woman in their smear is no more than 10-20 cells. Sometimes, against the background of a decrease in immunity, hidden infections make themselves felt. In this case, the number of white blood cells in the gynecological smear can significantly increase, which is evidence of the following pathologies:
- colpitis( vaginitis) - inflammation of the vaginal mucosa;
- cervicitis - inflammation of the cervical canal;
- endometritis - inflammation of the uterine mucosa;
- urethritis - inflammation of the urethra( urethra);
- adnexitis - inflammation of the ovaries and tubes;
- candidiasis( thrush) - fungal infection;
- infections, sexually transmitted infections( syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, etc);
- tumor processes, including malignant;
- dysbacteriosis of the intestine or vagina.
In some of these diseases, the number of white blood cells in the urogenital smear can be more than 100 cells in the field of vision( or cover all n / sp).This indicates an acute inflammatory process and requires immediate treatment.
Conclusion
A pregnant woman is responsible not only for her own health, but also for the safe development of her unborn child, so the tests that the doctor prescribes must be taken regularly. On them you can find the development of the pathological process at the very beginning and prevent possible complications for the baby's future and the health of the mother herself.