Leukocytes in urine during pregnancy

During each visit to the gynecologist-obstetrician, the pregnant woman undergoes a urine analysis. One of the key indicators for assessing the health of the future mother is the number of leukocytes in the urine. These "white" blood cells are an important element of the immune system, and their levels in the urine can help identify potential inflammatory processes in the body.

Causes of the presence of leukocytes in urine during pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman's urinary system undergoes increased strain. As the uterus grows, the pressure on the organs in the abdominal cavity and pelvis increases, which can lead to urinary stasis, edema, and an increased risk of infection.

The number of leukocytes in the urine can indicate the state of the urinary system. A high level of these cells may indicate inflammation, which in turn can affect the placenta, cause fetal hypoxia, and even lead to premature birth.

Possible causes of increased leukocytes in the urine

• Inflammatory diseases of the urinary system - characterized by frequent urges to urinate, lower back pain, fever, loss of appetite, and nausea.
• Urinary stasis - hormonal changes during pregnancy relax smooth muscles, including those of the urinary system, which can hinder urine flow and increase the risk of infection and stone formation.
• Candidiasis (thrush) - the proliferation of Candida fungi, caused by a weakened immune system, can lead to itching, burning, and abundant discharge.
• Urolithiasis - kidney stones or sand may occur due to reduced physical activity, especially in women over 35 years old.
• Vaginitis, cervicitis - inflammation of the mucosa of the genital tract caused by poor hygiene, stress, or allergic reactions.
• Sexually transmitted infections - pathogens of certain infections can remain latent in the body for a long time but become active during pregnancy.
• Dehydration - a lack of fluid can contribute to urine thickening and an increase in white blood cell count.
• Acute intoxication - poisoning or toxicosis can also affect urine analysis indicators.
• Nephropathy on the background of diabetes mellitus - chronic kidney diseases may worsen during pregnancy.

Leukocyte norms in the urine of pregnant women

In a pregnant woman, the leukocyte count in the urine should not exceed 5 to 10 in the field of view of a general urine analysis. If the indicator reaches 10-15 or more, it may indicate an inflammatory process and requires further examination.

The gynecologist-obstetrician reviews the patient's medical history, conducts an interview and examination, may prescribe a new analysis, and refer the patient to a specialist (urologist, nephrologist).

What to do if leukocytes are elevated in the urine during pregnancy?

First of all, it is necessary to follow the recommendations of the obstetrician-gynecologist. It is important to drink regularly and increase water intake for the natural excretion of toxins, maintain personal hygiene, and avoid hypothermia to reduce the likelihood of inflammatory processes. Additionally, it is recommended to have:

• A proper diet - excluding salty, spicy, and fried foods would help reduce the burden on the kidneys.
• Physical activity - moderate exercise such as walking helps improve blood circulation and prevent urinary stasis.
• Blood sugar control - if you are diabetic, you should regularly monitor your blood sugar levels to reduce the risk of kidney complications.

Additional examinations

Pregnant women may be prescribed additional examinations for a more accurate diagnosis:

• Nechiporenko urine analysis - allows determining the exact number of leukocytes, red blood cells, and cylinders in the urine from the first morning void.
• Zimnitsky urine analysis - assesses the concentrating function of the kidneys and identifies any abnormalities (collection every 3 hours for 24 hours).
• Urine culture (cytobacteriological examination of urine) identifies the causative agent of the inflammatory process and determines its sensitivity to antibiotics.
• Renal ultrasound - visually assesses the condition of the kidneys, detects stones, inflammatory foci, or other pathological changes.

Timely detection and treatment of inflammatory processes help reduce the risk of complications and ensure the smooth progress of pregnancy and the proper development of the fetus.

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