^
Fact-checked
х

All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.

If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

Leukocytes in a smear in pregnancy

Medical expert of the article

Gynecologist, reproductive specialist
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025

The number of leukocytes can be used to diagnose many diseases. After all, if there is an infection, the first thing that changes is the blood and urine counts. Pregnant women also need to take tests, it is extremely important for them. After all, any infection can harm the body of the mother and child. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct an examination.

Leukocytes in a smear during pregnancy occur for a number of reasons. It is worth noting that these blood cells are designed to destroy bacteria that enter the human body. Some of them are even capable of producing antibodies. Thus, the main function of these components is to protect the body and destroy any infection that tries to enter it.

trusted-source[ 1 ], [ 2 ]

Causes of increased leukocytes in a smear during pregnancy

Often, an increased amount of these components in the blood indicates the presence of some infection in the body. Not in all cases, this infection appears directly during pregnancy. It is quite possible that the problem already existed, and it became chronic. In most cases, pregnant women do not even suspect that they have any abnormalities.

During pregnancy, the functioning of the immune system changes completely. In this regard, the body's defense reactions are significantly weakened. Against the background of what is happening, chronic pathological processes make themselves known.

Most often, changes in the smear indicate the presence of gonorrhea, syphilis, ureaplasmosis and genital herpes. This condition may also be associated with other diseases. All of the above diseases occur, but the cause is usually different.

Thrush or candidiasis. This is probably the most common reason for changes in the number of blood cells in a smear. Pregnant women suffer from this fungal infection much more often than other women. Changes in the analysis can be observed with vaginosis. This condition is characterized by a violation of the normal microflora of the vagina. Colpitis is another reason. It is an inflammatory process of the vaginal mucosa.

Why are leukocytes in a smear dangerous during pregnancy?

The occurrence of leukocytosis is very dangerous for a woman during pregnancy. This disease is characterized by rapid development. Therefore, a woman's body is not always able to quickly respond to the occurrence of a problem. The disease takes only 2 hours to attack. Sometimes leukemia is accompanied by bleeding.

Often the problem of increased leukocytes is associated with the presence of pyelonephritis. To prevent this disease, serious prevention is necessary. Detection and treatment of the problem at an early stage guarantees a favorable outcome.

Even thrush, which does not seem dangerous at first glance, can cause harm. If you do not start eliminating it in time, then some difficulties may arise at the birth of the baby. Thrush is located on the mucous membrane of the vagina. At birth, the baby can get infected. In some cases, this leads to damage to vision. Therefore, even banal thrush carries a huge danger.

Consequences

If an increased number of leukocytes is detected in a smear, the true cause should be determined. The fact is that such a deviation can lead to serious consequences in the future. The inflammatory process, which has a chronic form of flow, can lead to infection of the uterine cavity. This entails the threat of termination of pregnancy. Therefore, you should not ignore the delivery of tests. This will allow you to detect the problem in time and begin to eliminate it. Otherwise, consequences cannot be avoided.

As mentioned above, even thrush can harm the baby. It needs to be treated even during pregnancy. There is a risk of damaging the baby's eyesight, so it is clearly not worth the risk.

Unfortunately, many young mothers do not take care of their own health. They not only drink alcohol and smoke, but also ignore routine examinations. All this poses an incredible threat and can complicate childbirth.

trusted-source[ 3 ], [ 4 ], [ 5 ], [ 6 ], [ 7 ], [ 8 ]

Complications

An inflammatory process in a woman's genitals can lead to a number of unpleasant complications. Thus, the penetration of infection into the uterus can harm the developing organism. This is very dangerous. Often there is a risk of termination of pregnancy. This can be avoided by timely treatment. Therefore, you should not skip tests, this is very dangerous.

In the presence of a common fungus or a violation of the vaginal microflora, there is also a special risk. Thrush can cause irreparable harm to the baby. During the birth period, it passes through the uterus and directly the vagina itself. Fungal "deposits" can get on the baby's face and harm his vision.

To avoid all sorts of complications, it is necessary to visit the doctor more often and follow all his recommendations. This will reduce the risk of any consequences. It is necessary to understand that during pregnancy, a woman is responsible not only for herself, but also for her own baby.

trusted-source[ 9 ]

Norm of leukocytes in a smear during pregnancy

A gynecological smear is the most common method for detecting abnormalities in the female reproductive system. This analysis can determine the level of leukocytes and suspect various diseases. During pregnancy, the level of leukocytes can change, so it must be constantly monitored. The first analysis is taken when a woman registers, and the second at 30 weeks of pregnancy.

Normally, it can contain up to 15 leukocytes. If there are more blood cells, this indicates the presence of an inflammatory process in the reproductive system. To confirm this diagnosis, you will have to undergo a series of diagnostic tests. It is extremely important to find the true cause of this condition.

Sometimes the number of blood cells from 15 to 20 in the field of view is considered acceptable. A smear can reveal the presence of an inflammatory process, but it will not be possible to find out the true cause of this phenomenon. For this, a number of additional measures are carried out.

Diagnostics

If an increased number of leukocytes is detected in the smear, it is necessary to identify the cause of this condition. Therefore, a number of auxiliary studies are carried out. Most often, bacteriological cultures are done. This will allow us to directly identify the bacteria that caused the inflammatory process.

It is possible to conduct PCR diagnostics (polymerase chain reaction). This method is highly accurate and allows you to identify the presence of various infections. During the study, a small amount of biological material is placed in a special device. If a woman suffers from an infection, then the genetic material that caused this condition is found in the samples. This analysis allows you to identify the number of microbes that are in the body.

In some cases, immunological testing may be required. Once the underlying causes of the increased blood cells are identified, quality treatment is prescribed.

trusted-source[ 10 ], [ 11 ], [ 12 ], [ 13 ], [ 14 ], [ 15 ]

Who to contact?

Treatment of increased leukocytes in a smear during pregnancy

When choosing a specific therapy, the doctor takes into account the woman's condition. It is important to determine the gestational age and the sensitivity of microorganisms to drugs. Special antifungal agents are used to eliminate thrush. These may be Pimafucin, Nystatin, and Zalain. The drugs are absolutely safe for the fetus. To eliminate thrush, it is recommended to use topical medications.

If ureaplasmosis or gonorrhea is observed, the issue of treatment is discussed on an individual basis. Therapy should be carried out only if there is a high risk of complications and infection of the child. Such drugs as Ceftriaxone, Azithromycin and Erythromycin are used. Similar medications have proven their effectiveness in syphilis.

If the inflammatory process is detected during pregnancy, treatment is carried out in two stages. First, specific therapy must be carried out, and then, from the 20th to the 24th week, preventive treatment is used.

It is not recommended to use any medications to eliminate genital herpes. They are used only if the positive result for the mother is higher than the possible risk for the baby. Special ointments are usually used. Zovirax is most often used.

Medicines

Medication is selected depending on the cause of the inflammatory process. To eliminate thrush, such drugs as Pimafucin, Nystatin and Zalain are widely used.

  • Pimafucin. In tablet form, the drug is used 4 times a day, one at a time. The duration of treatment does not exceed 10 days. Contraindications: hypersensitivity. Side effects: diarrhea, nausea, burning sensation.
  • Nystatin. The drug is prescribed orally in the form of tablets. Take 2 tablets 3-4 times a day. The dose is adjusted by the doctor. The duration of treatment does not exceed 10 days. Contraindications: hypersensitivity. Side effects: nausea, vomiting, fever, chills.
  • Zalain. In the form of a cream, the product is used 1-2 times a day. Suppositories are administered once a day at night. The duration of treatment is 7-10 days. Contraindications: hypersensitivity. Side effects: the product is well tolerated.

To eliminate gonorrhea, ureaplasmosis and syphilis, Ceftriaxone, Azithromycin and Erythromycin are used.

  • Ceftriaxone. The drug is used exclusively intramuscularly or intravenously. The dosage is prescribed individually, calculating the minimum risk to the baby. Contraindications: hypersensitivity, first trimester of pregnancy, breastfeeding period and liver and kidney failure. Side effects: nausea, vomiting, Quincke's edema.
  • Azithromycin. The drug is used one hour before meals or two hours after meals. The drug is used once a day. Before use, it is necessary to test the sensitivity of microflora to it. Contraindications: severe liver and kidney dysfunction, hypersensitivity. Side effects: nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, skin rash.
  • Erythromycin. The drug is prescribed for oral administration in the form of tablets or capsules. A single dose should not exceed 0.25 grams, in some cases it reaches 0.5 grams. Before using the drug, it is worth passing a test for the sensitivity of microflora to it. Contraindications: hypersensitivity, liver dysfunction. Side effects: nausea, vomiting, jaundice.

Zovirax ointment is used to combat genital herpes. It should be applied to the external genitalia 4-8 times a day. It is used with caution after approval by the attending physician. The duration of treatment is 7-10 days. Contraindications: hypersensitivity. Side effects: burning, itching.

Folk remedies

Traditional methods of treatment have always been distinguished by their safety and effectiveness. But, despite this, a pregnant girl should take them with caution.

Paraffin treatment. This component can be purchased at any drugstore or cosmetics store. You need to take 400 grams of paraffin and melt it in a special aluminum container. Then lie on your back and soak a small piece of gauze in the melted product. Then lubricate the lower abdomen. After that, polyethylene is placed on it and everything is wrapped in a warm blanket. You need to lie in this position until the paraffin has completely cooled. The course of treatment is 7-10 days.

Sea buckthorn oil. You need to take 10 grams of this ingredient and grind beeswax into it. Then put the mug with oil and wax in a water bath. As soon as the wax begins to melt, add 3 grams of pine resin. All this is mixed and melted. It is necessary to take into account the fact that the product should not boil under any circumstances. In the end, you get a homogeneous mass. It will need to be poured into ice molds and cooled. The volume of one candle should not exceed a tablespoon. When everything is ready, hands are thoroughly washed with soap and the resulting product is given a streamlined shape. Candles are inserted at night. The course of treatment is 20-40 days.

trusted-source[ 16 ], [ 17 ], [ 18 ], [ 19 ], [ 20 ], [ 21 ], [ 22 ]

Herbal treatment

It is quite possible to restore the vaginal microflora using traditional medicine. As medicinal herbs, it is recommended to give preference to aloe leaves, St. John's wort, chamomile, oak bark and red root. Douching with a chlorophyllipt solution helps perfectly. Particular preference is given to the herb bergenia.

Bergenia for eliminating female diseases. This herb has excellent medicinal properties. The duration of treatment is 3-4 weeks. To prepare a universal remedy for all inflammatory processes, you need to take 50 grams of bergenia. It must be thoroughly crushed and put into an enamel saucepan. Then 300 grams of boiling water is poured there. After which everything is covered with a lid and infused for 7-8 hours. After the specified time has elapsed, everything must be filtered and take only two tablespoons of the product. It should be diluted in 2 liters of water. This product is used for douching twice a day. At night, everything is used differently. You need to take a cotton swab and moisten it in the infusion, then wrap it in a double layer of gauze and insert it into the vagina. In the morning, everything is removed.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy has earned its recognition in the treatment of inflammatory processes of the female reproductive system. Its use in this case is appropriate. Because homeopathic remedies are based on natural components. But, despite this, they can be used only after permission from a doctor.

Antikan is widely used. These are suppositories that help cope with inflammatory processes. They should be used for 10 days, one suppository per night. Antikan-T suppositories have proven themselves to be quite good. They differ from the previous ones in their richer composition. Accordingly, their effectiveness is much higher. They are also used for 10 days according to a similar scheme.

Pelican - Antikan. The product actively fights many inflammatory processes. It should be used for 10 days, one suppository per night. The effect is positive. Tukofit suppositories not only remove inflammatory processes, but are even able to cope with endometriosis, cysts and polyps. The duration and method of application are similar. All the above products have only one contraindication - hypersensitivity. No side effects were observed.

Prevention

To prevent the occurrence of various inflammatory processes, it is necessary to constantly maintain hygiene of the intimate area. It is important that it is correct! It is worth giving up promiscuous sexual relations and using condoms. Regular visits to the gynecologist and examinations will allow you to identify possible deviations at early stages.

Prevention of vaginosis consists of careful hygiene of the genitals. It is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner. This applies to those cases when a woman begins to feel discomfort. If chronic vaginitis occurs, PCR diagnostics of sexually transmitted infections should be performed. This will help identify the pathogens.

Pregnant women should never ignore a visit to the gynecologist. They should take routine tests and be constantly monitored. This will prevent the occurrence of possible inflammatory processes, which will significantly reduce the risk of infection of the baby.

Forecast

If the inflammatory process is detected in time and eliminated efficiently, the prognosis will be favorable. Nothing poses a serious threat, unless, of course, everything was noticed in time. Ignoring discomfort can lead to a worsening of the situation. In this case, the risk of infection of the baby increases. All this will have an extremely negative impact on his health. In addition, there is a risk of termination of pregnancy. In this case, the prognosis is extremely unfavorable. It is quite possible to treat with serious medications that can harm the developing organism.

Much depends on the woman herself. If she does not shirk consultations, then everything will be fine. Regular testing and monitoring by the attending physician are a guarantee of safety. After all, this will allow you to constantly monitor the woman's condition and notice the slightest changes in her body. In this case, the prognosis will be exclusively positive.

trusted-source[ 23 ], [ 24 ], [ 25 ], [ 26 ]


The iLive portal does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
The information published on the portal is for reference only and should not be used without consulting a specialist.
Carefully read the rules and policies of the site. You can also contact us!

Copyright © 2011 - 2025 iLive. All rights reserved.