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Increased leukocytes in urine during pregnancy, causes
One of the indicative analyzes that give an idea of the health status of the expectant mother is urine analysis. Women have to do it very often, especially in the last trimester of pregnancy. If leukocytes in the urine are greatly increased during pregnancy, this may indicate problems in some organs and systems.
Increased leukocytes in urine during pregnancy is the norm if the number does not exceed 10 units
Leukocytes in urine during pregnancy: what is considered normal
When a urine test is performed, it is always determined whether there are leukocytes in it and in what quantity. In a woman expecting a baby, the number of white blood cells, which directly affect the functioning of the immune system, is initially slightly increased. Normally, they should be from 0 to 10 units. This is due to an increase in the defenses of the pregnant woman’s body, which is very important for the normal bearing of the fetus and the birth of a healthy baby.
The situation when the white blood cells are more than normal indicates that some kind of disease develops in the body of the expectant mother.
Therefore, the doctor must appoint her to undergo additional examinations in order to establish an accurate diagnosis.
Also, a large number of leukocytes can be detected due to improper hygiene of the genitals. Therefore, it is very important to carry out the necessary water procedures before collecting urine for analysis.
Causes of an increase in the level of leukocytes in urine during pregnancy
The higher the level of leukocytes, the more intense inflammation develops in the body. Most often, its increase is associated with such ailments:
- cystitis – the urinary canal and bladder become inflamed, while burning pain and burning sensation appear when urinating;
- urolithiasis – in the urinary tract and kidneys, salts are converted into stones, urine stagnates;
- pyelonephritis – inflammation of the kidneys often happens during pregnancy, when the enlarging uterus presses heavily on them and causes a reverse flow of urine;
- candidiasis – the multiplication of the Candida fungus occurs as a result of the hormonal background and vaginal microflora changing;
- colpitis – the mucous membrane of the reproductive organs becomes inflamed due to a decrease in immunity and the effect of various infections as a result.
When asked why leukocytes are elevated during pregnancy, only a doctor can give the correct answer. When ailments occur in a pregnant woman, in addition to an increase in this indicator in the urine, its color also changes. Therefore, the expectant mother can find out on her own about the problems in the body when she collects urine for analysis.
Therapy for inflammation, identified by an increased number of leukocytes, is individual for each pregnant woman. It depends on the duration of pregnancy and the severity of the disease.