• red blood cells (0-1 per field of view);
• leukocytes (0-3 in p/z).

1. Flat epithelium.
2. Salts in small quantities.

The body of pregnant women bears a double burden, working immediately for expectant mother and baby. Thus, the excretory system removes metabolic products from both mother and child. This, as well as changes in hormonal levels, causes expansion of the urethra, as a result of which the risk of stagnation and infection of urine increases.

One of the urine components important in urine analysis is white blood cells.

Leukocytes are the formed elements of blood and lymph. They are heterogeneous in their structure and role. They do not have a distinct color, which is why you can often find a variant of the name “white blood cells”. They have the ability to penetrate the walls of capillaries. The main function of these cells is protective, but it has some differences for different types leukocytes.

A significant level of these cellular elements in a urine or blood test is almost always an indicator of an inflammatory process in the body. It occurs due to various pathological phenomena:

• genitourinary tract infections;
• decreased kidney function;
• allergic reactions;
• organ inflammation;
• diseases of viral etiology.

Of particular note is pyelonephritis, an acute inflammation of the renal pelvis and parenchyma, common among pregnant women. Its direct cause is an ascending infection of the urinary system.

Elevated white blood cells (more than 7 in the field of view of a microscope) may indicate not only diseases, but also a banal failure to comply with the rules of personal hygiene.

But you need to know that a moderate amount of such cells in gynecological smears and women’s urine is acceptable. This is due to the anatomical and physiological characteristics structure of the genital organs and is only an integral part of the healthy microflora of the vagina.

White cell levels naturally increase during pregnancy. The principle of the defensive function of the leukocyte is that it absorbs and digests the harmful organism. This process is called phagocytosis. And the protective mechanisms in the body of a woman carrying a child are activated. During this period, physiological, i.e., is observed in the urine and blood. natural leukocytosis.

Cases of high white blood cell counts after the 37th week of pregnancy require special attention. For a more accurate assessment, a urine test may be prescribed using the Nechiporenko method.

Treatment

Therapy will be aimed at the disease that caused leukocytosis. Assistance for pregnant women is prescribed according to the period:

1. Natural diuretics are suitable for mild infections. These include herbal teas, decoctions, and herbal preparations. Both independently and in collections they use: lingonberries, chamomile, orthosiphon, birch leaves and buds, cornflower, horsetail.
2. More complex cases require the use of antibiotics. These are drugs from the following groups: penicillins, cephalosporins, sulfonamides and nitrofurans. The doctor selects medications individually, based on the degree of safety for the expectant mother and fetus.

After completing the course of therapy specified by the specialist, a urine test is ordered again. By reducing or completely normalizing the level of white cells, recovery can be judged. If leukocytes are still elevated, prescribe additional examinations, therapy is adjusted.

Prevention

Prevention of diseases that cause an increase in the level of white cells involves strict adherence to personal hygiene:

• thorough hand washing;
• separate towels for the body and genitals;
• use only warm running water;
• refusal of bar soap and washcloths for intimate hygiene; this will prevent the breeding of bacteria;
• taking a shower instead of a bath.

Preventive analysis and detection of the cause of elevated urine leukocytes will help to stop inflammatory processes in a timely manner, which is extremely necessary for a safe pregnancy.

Any woman, throughout her entire pregnancy, has to constantly visit a gynecologist, as well as undergo various tests, one of which can detect increased leukocytes in the urine during pregnancy. These blood cells play a significant role in the functioning of the entire body, so their sharp increase should alert the doctor, as well as the future mother. What is the norm of leukocytes in urine during pregnancy, and also why do these cells increase in urine?

Leukocytes are white blood cells that are responsible for protecting the entire body. It is important to note that such bodies are divided into several types, but still they are general group allows you to protect your health by restoring the functioning of the immune system.

The number of leukocytes in a woman’s urine during pregnancy allows the doctor to assess the general state of health, as well as identify diseases that are still attacking the patient’s body in a latent form. Also, leukocytes in the urine of pregnant women allow the gynecologist to understand how the immune system functions, which is important during pregnancy.

It is important to note that leukocytosis usually means the development of inflammation in the body, in the presence of which the doctor must understand where exactly the disease is developing. It is important to remember that leukocytes can penetrate into urine not only from the kidneys or other urinary organs, but also from the genitals, especially if the patient does not wash properly before collecting urine. Usually, for this reason, the doctor tells the woman to retake the tests - but if leukocytes are found in the repeated urine, the pregnant woman needs to immediately begin treatment.

The purpose of these cells in pregnant women and other people is to absorb bacteria and viruses that enter the body. The immune system always perceives such foreign elements rather alarmingly, which is why leukocyturia occurs during pregnancy.

Most often, the reasons why leukocytosis develops are as follows:

• development of pyelonephritis;
• cystitis;
• thrush;
• glomerulonephritis;
• formations in the kidney cavity;
• urolithiasis;
• urethritis.

Important: most often, an increased number of such cells indicates the development of kidney diseases rather than other organs. In general, doctors say that if leukocytes are elevated in the urine of a pregnant woman, this is not always a pathology, since the female body perceives the child as a foreign body, which it must also protect. That is why a table for determining the norm of leukocytes in urine has been created for pregnant women.

What is the norm of white bodies in urine? If in the field of view during the analysis there are only 1-3 leukocytes in the urine during pregnancy – this is the norm. However, numbers such as 6, 8, 10, 30,40, 100 should definitely cause alarm, since such indicators indicate the course of a strong inflammatory process that the immune system itself cannot cope with.

Since increased white blood cells indicate the development of a particular disease that mars pregnancy, a woman should undergo a urine test before each visit to the gynecologist, since the number of such cells can increase in just 1-3 days.

Of course, during pregnancy there are many reasons for such an increase, so the doctor has no right to make a diagnosis in advance.

It should be noted that a woman can see a large number of leukocytes in the urine (100 or more) herself:

• urine becomes much darker;
• urine becomes cloudy;
• sometimes there is a change in smell and color;
• the amount of urine becomes slightly larger, which is due to the rapid removal of leukocytes from the body;
• loose sediment can be found in it.

In this case, it is important to promptly visit a doctor who will determine the level of leukocytes in the urine and also detect the lesion. It is impossible to hesitate while changing the structure of the tests, since sometimes leukocytosis develops rapidly, which leads to bleeding and, accordingly, complications for the fetus.

Especially often, as many studies show, white cells increase during the development of thrush, since this disease quickly attacks the pregnant woman’s body even with a short-term disruption of the immune system.

As described earlier, an increased content of leukocytes in urine indicates the development of many kidney and bladder diseases. And, as is known, such pathologies lead to disruption of the course of pregnancy, and also cause infection of the fetus with dangerous bacteria or viruses.

What to do if the doctor finds a high concentration of leukocytes in urine

Even if a pregnant woman’s body is functioning normally, treatment for elevated levels of white blood cells is still necessary. But what should a woman do when she receives bad test results? First, you need to ask the gynecologist for another referral, after which it is important to properly prepare for the urine test.

To do this you should:

1. Prepare the jar correctly - it must be thoroughly washed, doused with boiling water and dried well. At the same time, no detergents no need to use. To keep the container really clean, you can buy an already sterilized container at the pharmacy.
2. A well-washed jar should be placed on a napkin to dry - under no circumstances should you wipe the inside of it with a towel. Containers sold in pharmacies do not require preliminary preparation.
3. You need to collect urine in the morning after washing and thoroughly drying the genitals. At the same time, you do not need to use any hygiene products during washing.
4. You need to fill the jar with an average portion of urine, since at the beginning and at the end of the “flow” all the waste and toxins come out, creating sediment in the urine.

If a woman takes tests again, she needs to insert a tampon into the vaginal cavity, which will prevent secretions from penetrating into the urine, because at any time they become more liquid, which ensures their rapid mixing with urine.

If, during a repeat analysis, large numbers of leukocytes were detected, the doctor prescribes the pregnant woman to take antibiotics (of course, this is done only after the cause of this phenomenon has been established). If antibiotics do not help eliminate the disease, the gynecologist prescribes other medications, as well as folk recipes, which are not capable of causing harm to the expectant mother and the developing fetus.

A woman, from the moment she finds out about pregnancy until she gives birth, must undergo a large number of different tests, including a urine test. Many are very unhappy with this fact and believe that such control is not necessary at all. Only dissatisfaction is caused rather by a lack of information, which can lead to an undetected disease in time.

Any change in the condition or tests of a pregnant woman should be alarming. If the doctor finds leukocytes in the urine during pregnancy, you should not ignore additional examination and the doctor’s recommendations to take various tests. Leukocytes in the urine of a pregnant woman can be the first bell signaling the onset or presence of a dangerous disease.

What it is?

Blood cells include leukocytes - white blood cells that form human immunity. The leukocyte formula contains 5 different cells, each of which takes part in the protective process. Some cells dissolve, as if “swallowing” microbes, others are like “flash drives”, remembering information about infections that they have already encountered, others dominate the attack on foreign agents entering the body, the latter control the attack and its timely completion.

Leukocytes are special blood cells that are able to move not only through blood vessels, but also, unlike others, to enter tissues and organs where there are “enemy invaders.”

In addition, leukocytes transmit hereditary immunity, this happens through the transfer of transfer factor from mother to child. Based on the level of leukocytes in the blood, the doctor can determine how high a woman’s immunity is and whether she is able to cope with microbes.

White cells are the same leukocytes

When germs spread in the kidneys, bladder, urethra and ureters, white blood cells are directed there and then excreted in the urine. The composition of urine can determine:

• is there inflammation in the body;
• how serious and extensive it is;
• where is it located;
• whether the medications the person is taking help.

To make a correct diagnosis, the doctor looks not only at the presence of white blood cells, but also at their combination with bacteria, red blood cells or protein in a urine test. Pregnant women may experience a slight increase in white blood cells due to a reaction maternal body to a foreign body (for which the body mistakes the fetus). This condition is completely normal and does not require any additional intervention.

The norm of leukocytes in the urine of a pregnant woman

Normally, in pregnant women without problems with the urinary system, 3-6 cells can be detected during sediment microscopy.

When 6-8 cells are detected on a woman’s body, the antigenic load increases.

When a urine test is taken according to Nechiporenko, the number of leukocytes in one milliliter of urine is calculated. Normally, in this case there can be up to 2000 cells.

An increase in leukocytes above normal indicates inflammation of the urinary system. If 1-15 leukocytes are detected, we can talk about low leukocyturia (minor inflammation), from 15 to 40 leukocytes - an average degree of inflammation. A reading above 40 leukocytes may indicate serious inflammation, including pyelonephritis.

Be careful, an increased number of leukocytes may indicate improper collection of urine for analysis (entry from the genitals).

How to properly collect urine for analysis in a pregnant woman

A pregnant woman has to have her urine tested quite often. In the first trimester once a month, in the second approximately every two weeks, and in the third trimester almost every week.

How to properly collect urine for analysis?

• before the day of the test, you should not abuse protein products;
• fruits, berries, citrus fruits should also not be eaten in large quantities;
• agree with your doctor on taking medications;
• prepare a glass container, rinse it well or purchase a special sterile jar for analysis at the pharmacy;
• In the morning, perform a thorough toilet of the genitals;
• Before urinating, you should insert a tampon;
• you need to release the initial portion of urine, stop urinating, bring the jar, put the middle portion into the jar, and release the rest;
• The test must be delivered to the laboratory within an hour.

It is best to take tests in a pharmaceutical jar (it is sterile and does not require processing)

If you follow all the preparation rules, the test results should show as accurately as possible the state of the pregnant woman’s urinary system.

Symptoms indicating an increase in white blood cells

An increase in white blood cells in the urine of a pregnant woman may be accompanied by some symptoms. For example, the color of the liquid instead of transparent becomes dark, cloudy, and a precipitate may appear in the form of flakes or insoluble threads. Other warning symptoms:

• frequent urination, accompanied by pain;
• pain above the pubis;
• nausea, loss of appetite;
• itching and burning in the urethra;
• dysuric phenomena;
• increased body temperature;
• lower back pain.

If a pregnant woman experiences any of the listed symptoms, she should urgently consult a doctor and report her complaints. You should not self-medicate, this can lead to irreversible consequences!

Causes of elevated white blood cells

Excluding incorrect collection urine, several main causes of leukocyturia can be identified.

During pregnancy, congestion occurs in the bladder, sometimes accompanied by backflow (reflux) of infected urine into the renal pelvis. Stagnation may be due to:

• compression of the bladder by the enlarging uterus;
• changes in hormonal balance cause a lack of tone of the ureters;
• due to decreased muscle tone (due to low physical activity in the last trimester), the outflow of urine is disrupted.

Sexually transmitted diseases in a woman or her partner can cause an increase in white blood cells in a woman’s urine. In addition, pathogenic flora can develop due to fungi, viruses, etc. But the main cause is usually two diseases - pyelonephritis and cystitis during pregnancy.

Pyelonephritis

During pregnancy, women in 7% of cases develop such an unpleasant and dangerous disease, such as pyelonephritis, or gestational pyelonephritis. Pyelonephritis is a kidney disease, during which the kidney tissue first becomes inflamed, and subsequently the calyces and pelvis may also be affected. Typically, this disease develops at the end of the second - third trimester of pregnancy, when the uterus is already quite large and puts pressure on neighboring organs, including the ureters. In this case, urine cannot pass through them normally, and inflammation begins. Another reason may be a change in hormone levels, which affects the peristalsis of the ureters, and as a result, a deterioration in urine excretion. As a result, urine stagnates in the pelvis and forms an excellent environment for the development of pathogenic microflora.

The difference between a healthy kidney and a kidney affected by pyelonephritis

Reasons for the development of pyelonephritis.

The main causes of gestational pyelonephritis are low immunity, hypothermia, a sedentary lifestyle and the occurrence of cystitis or pyelonephritis earlier.

Signs of the disease

Pyelonephritis can occur in acute and chronic form. In the acute form, a woman may experience increased headaches and muscle pain, vomiting and lack of appetite, chills, weakness, fever, lower back pain pronounced on one or both sides (depending on whether one kidney is inflamed or both).

In the chronic form, there may be aching pain in the lower back, usually dull, which can come and go. Headaches and weakness are also present.

Treatment

Acute pyelonephritis is usually treated in a hospital, with the use of antibiotics and specific therapy (from the pregnant woman taking a special position, nephrostomy and decapsulation, to kidney removal).

In chronic pyelonephritis and relatively normal tests a hospital stay is not required, and the woman is given general recommendations regarding lifestyle and diet, and is prescribed some medications to prevent deterioration of the condition.

With moderate or high severity of the disease and pyelonephritis that is difficult to treat, the possibility of maintaining pregnancy may be called into question. In some cases, the probability of death of the mother and child is high, so in no case should the advice of doctors be neglected. And if you notice the first symptoms, be sure to visit a gynecologist.

Cystitis

Approximately 10% of pregnant women develop cystitis during pregnancy. The risk increases if the woman has already had this disease.

Cystitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bladder and disruption of its functioning, which is caused by microorganisms and some other factors.

This is what cystitis looks like - inflammation of the bladder mucosa

Reasons for the development of cystitis

Cystitis can be infectious, medicinal, allergic, thermal. Infectious cystitis is caused by various bacteria. The main causative agent of such cystitis is Escherichia coli. Typically, this type of cystitis occurs in women due to the structure of the genital organs (where the urethra is located close to the anus).

Drug-induced cystitis occurs due to certain drugs, the altered substances of which are excreted in the urine, thereby irritating the mucous membrane of the bladder.

Allergic cystitis occurs in people with hypersensitivity to certain substances contained, for example, in bubble baths, hygiene sprays, condoms and certain products.

Thermal cystitis occurs due to hypothermia or exposure to hot liquids to the bladder mucosa.

Signs of the disease

A disease such as cystitis is usually accompanied by a number of unpleasant symptoms:

• strong and frequent urge to urinate;
• frequent discharge is not large quantity urine;
• blood in urine;
• burning sensation during urination;
• urine discharge with unpleasant smell;
• urine that is cloudy or contains sediment;
• pressure in the lower abdomen and discomfort in the pelvic area;
• increase in body temperature.

Cloudy urine is a sign of inflammation

Treatment

Treatment of cystitis depends on the reason for its occurrence. For infectious cystitis, antibiotic therapy is carried out. But you need to be careful when choosing an antibiotic, as some of them have a negative effect on the fetus. Other types of cystitis depend on its forms. Applicable:

• anticholinergics;
• painkillers;
• special drugs for cystitis;

Regardless of the type of cystitis, doctors advise you to stay in bed and drink enough fluids.

What causes an increase in leukocytes in the urine in pregnant women?

If leukocyturia is a sign of kidney disease, treatment must be carried out immediately, otherwise it can lead to the following consequences:

• Toxicosis can lead to late gestosis and fetal death;
• Inflammation can cause gangrene of the bladder, the wall of which ruptures and the contents spill into abdominal cavity, peritonitis occurs;
• Chronic inflammation contributes to the formation of bladder and kidney stones. Due to severe pain, the question of surgical intervention is sometimes raised even during pregnancy;
• Hypertension is accompanied by a lack of fetal nutrition and its death, as well as disorders of the cerebral and coronary circulation of the mother;
• Eclampsia develops convulsive syndrome, the fetus does not receive enough nutrition and oxygen, which increases the risk of having a child with a pathology or premature birth.

Additional examination

To confirm the diagnosis, the woman will be prescribed a series of tests that will help determine the severity of the disease. In addition to a general blood and urine test, you will need to undergo a urine test according to Zinitsky and Nechiporenko, bacteriological urine culture, undergo an ultrasound of the kidneys, consult with a nephrologist, and perhaps chromocystoscopy or catheterization of the ureters will be prescribed.

In rare cases, an X-ray examination with contrast is prescribed; it is safe for the woman, but can harm the fetus.

Pregnancy is a very important period in the life of every woman, and you need to treat yourself especially carefully at this time. Register with the antenatal clinic on time, take all tests, follow your doctor’s recommendations, eat right, walk more, beware of colds, and at the slightest sign of any disease, be sure to visit a doctor, and then your pregnancy will go smoothly, and you won’t face any complications will bother you.

The state of gestation is a complex process in which a woman’s body undergoes serious changes. Throughout the entire period, it is necessary to carry out medical monitoring in specialized institutions, carefully analyzing the main indicators of health status. A popular medical method is a routine general urine test. It gives the specialist information on two dozen parameters and shows the level of blood cells. The reasons for the sharp increase in leukocytes in the urine during pregnancy are different, and often indicate deviations from established norms. Being the main element of human immunity, groups of white bodies are the first to meet and attack foreign microorganisms.

Treatment for an increased number of leukocytes is prescribed by a highly specialized specialist.

A slight increase in leukocytes in the urine during pregnancy should not cause concern. During pregnancy, the body is rebuilt to carry a child, and blood cells may mistake the developing fetus for an alien formation. Leukocyturia (when leukocytes in the urine are increased during pregnancy) is already a serious symptom. The main reasons for this phenomenon:

• genitourinary infections,
• urolithiasis disease,
• diabetes,
• diseases of the kidneys and female reproductive system.

To make an accurate diagnosis, a general urine test is not enough. There are additional methods; for a complete diagnosis, a pregnant woman is referred to specialized specialists.

Normal levels of leukocytes in the urine of a pregnant woman

Medical regulations precisely define standards for use in laboratory processing. The norm of leukocytes in the urine of a pregnant woman:

An increase in leukocytes in the urine of a pregnant woman to 50-60 may be the result of pyelonephritis, a serious disease for which urgent hospitalization and antibacterial therapy are indicated. The leukocyte rate in a pregnant woman's urine analysis varies in each trimester, depending on the characteristics of the body. Experienced doctors consider a leukocyte level of up to 10 to be normal, caused by hormonal changes during fetal formation.

Regular urine testing during pregnancy, once a month, ensures timely identification of problems in the absence of pronounced symptoms of disease.

The final result is influenced by preparation for the procedure, including hygienic and preventive measures.

How to determine the level of leukocytes in urine during pregnancy

These white blood cells, responding to the presence of inflammatory processes, penetrate into the urine through the walls of blood vessels. Therefore, the number of leukocytes in the urine of a pregnant woman is insignificant. And an increase is a signal for a deeper examination.

The norm of leukocytes in the urine of pregnant women is 0-5.

IN evening hours and after eating, the indicators increase. This is facilitated by:

• Physical activity;
• Stressful situations;
• Individual biological clock.

Therefore, a general urine test is taken on an empty stomach in the morning. Hygiene of intimate areas and preparation of a container for collecting fluid are of great importance. Any foreign impurities contribute to the appearance of a large number of foreign particles in the urine.

Leukocytes in the urine of a pregnant woman, unlike other organoleptic parameters, are detected by sediment microscopy. The maximum shelf life of the prototype is 3-4 hours. The accuracy of determining the final result is influenced by a number of factors: the responsibility of the patient and physicians, careful adherence to the technique, and changes in other parameters. Protein in the urine makes it possible to see the cause of leukocytosis with a high probability. Additional diagnostics may also be required; in cases where the norm is exceeded, a repeat general urine test is performed or a Nechiporenko urine test is performed.

Additional methods for examining urine in a pregnant woman

Bad urine during pregnancy serves as a reason for the doctor to repeat the general analysis procedure. This is an integral rule established by regulatory documents.

If a negative result is repeated, the doctor prescribes additional examinations: urine analysis according to Zimnitsky or bacteriological urine culture.

Their goal is to define the disease and determine the exact extent of the problem. The Zimnitsky method involves diagnosing kidney or heart diseases by the density of urine. A high level of leukocytes in the urine changes physical parameters. The research requires strict adherence to a special diet, drinking regimen and time frame.

Samples are collected every three hours throughout the day and then submitted to a specialist. Based on the physical characteristics of the fluid and special tables, a final diagnosis is made. Urine culture is used to detect bacterial inflammation of the urinary organs. It's simple and very effective. Bacteria and white blood cells in the body increase in proportion to each other. The urine sample is placed in a container where a comfortable breeding environment is created. After 1-2 days, the doctor determines the type of pathogenic flora. Experts learn experimentally the resistance of microorganisms to antibacterial drugs, which is important when prescribing treatment during pregnancy.

Causes of elevated leukocytes in the urine of a pregnant woman

The organs of the genitourinary system are very vulnerable during pregnancy. Enlargement of the fetus causes disruption of the outflow and stagnation of fluid in the kidneys. A slight weakening of the immune system leads to the rapid proliferation of pathogenic flora. In the urine there are increased indicators of: E. coli, staphylococcus, and gram-negative bacteria. In the presence of an inflammatory process, characteristic signs appear and the number of protective blood cells increases. It is the most common infectious diseases of the genitourinary area, cystitis, urethritis and pyelonephritis, that in 70 percent of cases are responsible for increasing the level of leukocytes in pregnant women. There is a threat to the fetus, so treatment is carried out in hospitals under the constant supervision of specialists.

If leukocytes are elevated in the urine, but bacterial culture of the urine gives a negative result, the cause is non-infectious pathologies: urolithiasis or glomerulonephritis. Carrying a fetus disrupts the hormonal balance of the body, which leads to difficulty in removing salts. As a result, stones are formed that interfere with the functioning of the organs of the excretory system, injuring tissues and causing inflammation of the kidneys and urinary tract. The growth of white blood cells can be affected by glomerulonephritis, an autoimmune disease that leads to kidney failure.

Symptoms accompanying an increase in leukocytes in the urine

In addition to the analyses, medical worker draws attention to the signs that accompany an increase in protective blood cells. With their help, an experienced specialist is able to make the correct diagnosis and determine the duration of treatment.

1. Inflammation of the bladder or cystitis is a common disease during pregnancy. Patients complain of frequent urge to go to the toilet, with a feeling of incomplete emptying of the organ. There is aching pain in the lower abdomen, as well as discomfort when urinating. An increased number of leukocytes in the urine accompanies subrephilic body temperature.
2. Pyelonephritis - dangerous disease characteristic of pregnant women. When the outflow of urine is disrupted and a bacterial infection enters, an inflammatory process in the kidneys begins. The white blood cell count reaches double digits. The acute course of the disease is manifested by high fever, lower back pain, chills, a feeling of weakness, and loss of appetite.
3. Asymptomatic bacteruria does not have external manifestations However, when analyzing urine for microflora, an increase in leukocytes is diagnosed. Sometimes patients complain of blood in the urine, weakness and lower back pain. The disease negatively affects the health of the unborn child and therefore requires urgent treatment.
4. Urethritis in pregnant women affects the excretory tract. The proliferation of viruses and bacteria leads to extremely painful sensations when urinating. The urethra itself is hyperemic, and purulent discharge is present when you urge to go to the toilet. There is no pain in the lower back or lower abdomen.
5. Vulvitis and vaginitis are gynecological pathologies that also cause leukocytosis. Bacterial or fungal infections affects the internal and external parts of the genital organs. Vaginitis is characterized by unpleasant discharge of various colors, which depends on the type of pathogen. Pregnant women suffering from vulvitis experience itching and burning in the area of ​​the affected organ. In addition, pain can spread higher up the abdomen and lower back, the temperature rises, and the inguinal lymph nodes enlarge.
6. With adnexitis, pregnant patients suffer from pain in the lower abdomen. They can radiate to other parts of the body, such as the hips or lower back. The temperature often rises, appetite disappears, and general weakness is present. Sexual desire disappears, which distinguishes the disease from lesions of the genitourinary area.
7. Bartholinitis is another pathology that often affects pregnant women, causing acute inflammation of the vaginal glands. The labia become severely swollen, patients experience serious pain in the perineum, and the lymph nodes in the groin also become enlarged. The acute course of the disease is characterized by fever reaching extreme values ​​of 39.5-40 degrees.
8. Late toxicosis is characterized by swelling of tissues and organs, which leads to fatigue and a sharp deterioration in the woman’s health. Sudden surges in blood pressure lead to headaches, dizziness and loss of coordination. On later With gestosis, the main systems of the body work inadequately: nervous, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal tract. The condition of the fetus is at risk.
9. Urolithiasis disrupts the normal course of pregnancy. The lower back, stomach and groin area hurt. General weakness may be accompanied by fever. However, the presence of pathologies of the kidneys and urinary tract is not grounds for termination of pregnancy.

Treatment of conditions with leukocytes in urine during pregnancy

Bringing leukocytes in the urine back to normal depends on the reason for the increase in the level of protective cells. On initial stage The doctor collects data for anamnesis and conducts laboratory examinations of urine during pregnancy. In case of infectious diseases (urethritis, pyelonephritis, bacteriuria), antibacterial therapy is used, since the body is poisoned with toxins and heat bodies, can have a detrimental effect on the fetus and also threaten the life of the mother. As a rule, penicillin drugs and cephalosporins are prescribed. Their use requires mandatory monitoring in a hospital setting.

Treatment for an increased number of leukocytes in the urine, in the case of a non-infectious nature, is prescribed by a highly specialized specialist.

Contraindications for the use of medications and the duration of pregnancy are taken into account. If there are kidney stones, the patient is prescribed a diet and herbal remedies. The necessary measures for fungal gynecological diseases are determined by the use of local drugs that act on the source of the problem. In case of gestosis, urgent hospitalization is required, as well as a set of special medical measures in the perinatal center.

Quite often in gynecological practice one encounters such a symptom as increased leukocytes in the urine during pregnancy. This can happen for a variety of reasons. Leukocytes are blood cells that perform protective functions for the body and protect it from the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms and dangerous viral agents. In addition, they are responsible for the production of special antibodies that are actively involved in immune formation.

Among specialists, their standards for the content of leukocyte cells during pregnancy have been determined - in the visual field there should be no more than 6 units, and if diagnostics are carried out according to Nechiporenko, then the norm of leukocytes in urine during pregnancy in 1 ml should not rise more than 2000 units. Exceeding these standards indicates inflammatory lesions in the patient’s body. As a rule, inflammation is localized in the renal structures, urinary system or bladder tissues. Usually it is in these structures that the infection rages with elevated leukocyte counts. When a pathogenic agent makes its way into the body, the immune system is activated and white blood cells begin to increase.

If the inflammation is minor, the leukocyte level may increase to 10-15 units. If more than 40 white blood cells are detected in the field of view, then the inflammation is very serious and even dangerous. Typically, such indicators indicate the development of acute pyelonephritis, which occurs quite often in pregnant women. It’s just that the constantly enlarging uterus puts pressure on the kidneys, disrupting their work and provoking the addition of an infectious process.

Why do pregnant women have increased leukocytes in urine?

Since white blood cells are the protectors of the body, an increase in leukocytes in the urine indicates the development of fungal, bacterial or viral infectious lesions. Pregnancy itself causes a slight increase in leukocyte cells, which is associated with an increase in antigenic loads on the female body, which is in a state of bearing a baby. But if the indicators exceed the norm, then this means the penetration of infectious agents and the active development of inflammatory lesions. Often the cause of an increase in leukocytes in the urine during pregnancy is pathological inflammatory conditions:

Other reasons

Cystitis. This is an inflammatory lesion of the bladder mucous tissues, which occurs in 10% of pregnant women. With cystitis, an increase in leukocytes in the urine of pregnant women is also observed. The disease occurs in women who have already had it in the past or have a chronic form of the pathology, aggravated due to decreased immunity in pregnant women. In addition, cystitis occurs in pregnant women due to disturbances in the vaginal microflora and hormonal changes, as well as due to the activity of pathogens and opportunistic microflora such as mycoplasma, coliform microorganisms, streptococci or trichomonas, staphylococci or chlamydia, etc.

Candidiasis. A fairly common companion during pregnancy is candidiasis (in common parlance – thrush). This disease occurs against the background of a reduced immune status combined with unfavorable external influences. During pregnancy, serious changes occur in the body of a pregnant woman - the intestinal microflora changes, and a lack of mineral components and vitamins develops. Dysbacteriosis provokes the activity of pathogenic microorganisms such as candida, which spread to the vaginal mucosa.

It happens that during pregnancy it is impossible to determine the reasons why there are too many leukocyte cells in the urine. Then a decision is usually made on antibiotic therapy.

What happens in the body

It is quite difficult to say what exactly happens during pregnancy when the level of white cells begins to increase, because there are many reasons for this condition and in each case a different pathogenesis is observed. The most dangerous is pyelonephritis, so it is worth analyzing the processes occurring in the body and in the urine of a pregnant woman using its example. This disease is characterized by damage to the renal structures with a pathological decrease in one or both organs. Gradually, the damage spreads to all layers of the kidney, its tissues atrophy and die. The lesions affect vascular tissues, tubules, and glomeruli, but changes occur rather slowly, because the disease has a long course.

Signs of increase

If during pregnancy the leukocytes increase slightly, then usually the woman does not notice any changes or symptoms. If the deviations greatly exceed the norm, then the symptoms become so obvious that even the patient herself can notice them. Then the urine becomes dark shade, becomes unpleasantly smelling and cloudy, contains various impurities such as loose sediment or mucous veins.

The root cause of why bacteria appeared in the urine during pregnancy is of considerable importance. For example, with pyelonephritis, painful aching of the kidneys is typical; sometimes pregnant women complain of cutting sensations. If a high level of white cells in the blood is due to cystitis, then in addition to visual manifestations, the patient may experience problems with increased urination, which causes a lot of uncomfortable sensations such as pain and itching, pain or burning.

Sometimes the cause of the increase in leukocyte cells in the urine during pregnancy can be determined by additional symptoms. A woman may be bothered by prolonged and unexplained hyperthermia, blood in the urine, painful sensations of various localizations, etc. If we talk about laboratory signs of pathology, then increased level leukocytes are often supplemented by bacteriuria, which is typical for pathologies such as cystitis, urethritis or pyelonephritis.

Why is it dangerous?

Leukocyturia can be very dangerous.

• If, when there is an increase in white blood cells in the urine, no measures are taken to eliminate the problem, then the condition may soon be complicated by leukocytosis. The pathology quickly develops and generalizes, often accompanied by heavy bleeding, which can seriously worsen the condition of a pregnant woman and provoke spontaneous abortion or premature birth.
• If during the diagnostic process a urine test showed high leukocyturia and pyelonephritis was detected, then therapeutic measures should be prescribed immediately. Otherwise, the risk of developing late gestosis and dangerous toxicosis, hypertension and intrauterine fetal death.
• If the causes of leukocyturia are due to cystitis, then delay in treatment can lead to the development of a gangrenous form of the inflammatory process, leading to complete urine retention, bladder rupture and peritonitis.
• In addition, when treatment of leukocyturia is delayed, an increase in blood pressure is often observed, and urinary infections provoke stone formation and the development of urolithiasis.

All this only negatively affects the gestation and intrauterine development of the baby, provoking a lot of adverse consequences.

Additional Research

To determine the exact reasons for the increase in leukocyte levels, the woman is prescribed additional diagnostics, including a detailed study of urine, bacterial culture, ultrasound diagnostics, as well as differential studies. Bacterial culture allows one to accurately determine the true causative agent of inflammatory pathology. And ultrasound diagnostics helps to timely determine renal structural changes if the cause of leukocyturia is pyelonephritis. In addition, ultrasound diagnostics makes it possible to detect and correctly assess the state of the structure of such intraorganic systems as the bladder or ureters. Sometimes an additional microbiological examination of urine is performed to determine the true type of pathogenic organisms and their sensitivity to antibiotics.

Treatment approach

There is no specific treatment regimen for leukocyturia, which is understandable, because each clinical case has its own etiology, gestation period, distinctive features the course of pregnancy and other nuances. For mild infectious processes, patients are prescribed disinfectant and diuretic natural medicines. These include kidney tea mixtures, chamomile decoction, lingonberry tea, Canephron and other herbal medicines.

If the inflammation occurs in a pronounced form, then treatment is based on antibiotic therapy, for which the doctor individually selects drugs taking into account the type of pathogen and gestation period. Local antibiotic preparations, for example, urethral and bladder instillations with disinfectant solutions, have an excellent therapeutic effect. With this approach to therapy, there is a minimal degree of penetration of the drug into the bloodstream.

Among the most commonly used drugs in the treatment of pregnant women are Clotrimazole and Canephron, Amoxicillin and Monural, Furadonin, etc.

How to avoid elevated white blood cells

To prevent the development of leukocyturia during pregnancy, a woman needs to seriously prepare for the prevention of inflammatory diseases.

1. It is necessary to regularly undergo laboratory tests of urine and promptly treat inflammatory lesions of the genitourinary system.
2. Avoid stress, physical overload, and hypothermia.
3. Spend more time outdoors, don’t be nervous and relax.
4. If there are suspicious changes in your urine, you should definitely tell your obstetrician-gynecologist about them.

If treatment is undertaken in a timely manner, and the inflammatory process is eliminated at its earliest stages, then the child and mother will not be in any danger.