What does it mean when you have a high white blood cell count when pregnant?

Answer 1

White Blood Cells are part of a family of immune cells which attack "invaders" in the body. If you have an elevated WBC count it most likely means there is an infection in your body that is being fought off.

WBC is determined through a blood test known as a CBC or complete blood count.

As a side note, your lymphatic system is where WBC multiply, grow and build up to prepare for an attack.

Lymph nodes specifically are where WBC are located and as the lymph nodes become full of WBC the nodes become like little ball or bean shaped objects.

In some people you can feel the enlarged lymph nodes especially on the sides of the neck and this is normal. (Although lymph nodes can also be enlarged due to seasonal Allergies(normal), cancer and other diseases which is not normal and should be checked out as soon as possible)

Answer 2

It means that your iron is up good. I am guessing you had a finger stick and they told you this. A lot of women are anemic during pregnancy and need ferrous sulfate to help with this. The doctor was probably just assuring you that your blood work looked good.

Answer 3

All females with pregnancy should be followed by a OB-GYN physician at all times. The physician is in the best position to evaluate the pregnancy and all associated lab work. An elevation in the white blood cell (WBC) count is actually a normal and common occurrence during pregnancy. The WBC peaks in the third trimester in the 12-18,000 range. There is another peak during labor, sometimes up to the 25,000 range. Despite the normal increase in WBC count, there are other causes of elevated WBC counts which a physician can better assess.

Answer 4

There may be several reasons for an individual to have a high white blood cell count. White blood cells might increase when one has an infection of some sort. Diseases of the bone marrow and immune system are also possible causes for an increased white blood cell count.