What Are the Effects of High Leukocytes in Pregnant Women?

During pregnancy, moms-to-be go through all sorts of health checkups, including a urine test. This test helps detect things like leukocyte levels in the urine. But what if the results show high leukocytes in pregnant women? Here’s what you need to watch out for, mommies!

What Are Leukocytes?

Leukocytes, or white blood cells, play a big role in keeping our immune system strong. They help the body fight off infections and illnesses.

So when the number of leukocytes in the blood goes up, it often signals an infection. That said, high leukocyte levels in pregnant women don’t always mean there’s an infection — they can increase naturally, too.

What’s the Normal Leukocyte Count for Pregnant Women?

According to Alodokter, a normal leukocyte count for adults is around 4,000–10,000 cells per microliter of blood. But during pregnancy, that number usually rises to about 6,000–16,000 cells per microliter.

High leukocytes in pregnant women means the count goes beyond that upper limit. Just keep in mind that normal values can vary slightly depending on the lab.

What Are the Causes

There are several reasons leukocyte levels might rise during pregnancy. One of the most common causes is a vaginal infection. But here are other possible triggers behind high leukocytes in pregnant women:

1. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

As the baby grows, the bladder gets more pressure, making it harder to fully empty. This can lead to leftover urine, which becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to infection.

2. Asymptomatic Bacteriuria

This is when bacteria are present in the urinary tract, but there are no symptoms. Around 30% of pregnant women experience this, which is why routine urine tests are so important to catch it early.

3. Genital Infections

Both sexually transmitted and non-sexual infections can cause high leukocytes in pregnant women. These include chlamydia, yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, gonorrhea, and herpes. They shouldn’t be ignored.

4. Kidney Infection

A UTI left untreated can develop into a kidney infection (pyelonephritis). This can cause leukocyte levels to spike and may lead to serious complications like preterm labor or premature rupture of membranes. Other symptoms include fever, lower back pain, and vomiting.

5. Cystitis

Cystitis is a bladder infection that causes inflammation and a rise in white blood cells. It often brings symptoms like lower back and pelvic pain. In more severe cases, blood and leukocytes can appear in the urine at the same time.

What Are the Symptoms

Symptoms can vary depending on the cause, but here are some common signs to look out for:

• Burning sensation when peeing

• Frequent urge to urinate

• Feeling like you can’t fully empty your bladder

• Foul-smelling or cloudy urine

• Lower back pain

• Extreme fatigue

• Fever

• Nausea and vomiting

How to Treat High Leukocytes in Pregnant Women?

There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment. Doctors will first need to figure out what’s causing the high leukocyte levels. Some of the usual approaches include:

1. Natural Disinfectants

For mild inflammation, doctors may recommend natural remedies like herbal drinks or teas (think chamomile or black currant) to help flush the bladder and lower infection risk.

2. Antibiotics

If the infection is more serious, antibiotics may be prescribed. Don’t worry — doctors will choose ones that are safe for the baby. These help clear out infections and prevent any complications during pregnancy.

3. Surgery

In rare cases, like when kidney stones or tumors are involved, surgery may be needed. Drinking plenty of water may also help dissolve small stones naturally.

4. Sound Waves, Chemotherapy, and Radiation

For larger kidney stones, sound wave therapy can break them down. If tumors are the cause of high leukocytes in pregnant women, other treatments like chemo or radiation may be considered.

How to Prevent High Leukocytes in Pregnant Women?

Prevention is always better than treatment. Here are a few simple steps you can take to keep leukocyte levels in check during pregnancy:

• Get regular urine tests if anything feels off

• Stay hydrated to help flush out bacteria and toxins

• Don’t hold your pee — empty your bladder regularly

• Practice good hygiene, especially in public restrooms

High leukocytes in pregnant women are actually pretty common. But if you also have a fever, vision issues, or trouble breathing or digesting, it’s time to call your doctor. Early treatment helps keep both mom and baby safe.