Neutrophils during pregnancy

Neutrophils – what are they?

Neutrophils in a blood count are a type of white blood cell – leukocytes. Neutrophils are produced in the bone marrow. In other words, they are neutrophil granulocytes. They are responsible for the functioning of the human immune system and their task is to overcome emerging bacteria in the body as quickly as possible. Neutrophils are the most numerous group of white blood cells. Their role is extremely important, which is why their content and percentage is determined in every blood count examination.

Neutrophils during pregnancy – Result

The result of the blood count should always be assessed by the doctor. This is because he or she can relate the parameters determined to the clinical picture and possible symptoms. The neutrophil standards are set by the respective laboratory. Often, a value between 2,000 and 7,000 neutrophils/ula is considered the norm. Both conditions often require further diagnosis. Neutrophils in the blood are also defined as a percentage. A value between 40-80 % is considered normal.

Neutrophils during pregnancy – increased

Pregnancy is a time of numerous changes in the body of the expectant mother. These include changes in the morphological parameters of the blood. It is known that pregnancy is a time of so-called physiological leukocytosis and neutrophilia. This is due to the expectant mother’s organism “reacting” to something new, namely the developing pregnancy.  However, the gynaecologist assesses whether these values are related to the course of the pregnancy itself or perhaps to an ongoing infection by analysing the morphological result. White blood cells, including neutrophil granulocytes, may also be elevated in the course of a bacterial infection. For this reason, the test is done every month during pregnancy so that it can be linked to previous results or to symptoms reported by the pregnant woman, for example. Elevated neutrophil granulocytes in pregnancy can be seen in nephritis or appendicitis, for example. They are also more likely to indicate whether the respiratory infection plaguing the expectant mother has a viral or bacterial cause.