Leukocytes in urine during pregnancy

Leukocytes are otherwise known as white blood cells, which are part of the immune system. Their main role is to combat potential threats to the human body, which include. Bacteria, viruses or parasites. Among leukocytes, we can distinguish such cell populations as lymphocytes, macrophages, neutrophils or eosinophils, for example. Each has a different and distinct function. What does the presence of leukocytes in the urine mean?

Leukocytes in urine during pregnancy – where do they come from?

Leukocytes in urine during pregnancy appear when there is inflammation in a woman’s urinary tract. This is most often associated with the appearance of bacteria in the urine, a common complication of pregnancy, which is a urinary tract infection. However, the presence of leukocytes is not always caused by the appearance of bacteria. Another situation in the course of which leukocytes may appear in the urine during pregnancy, for example, is the presence of stones in the urinary tract of a pregnant woman.

Leukocytes in urine during pregnancy – what do they mean?

Leukocytes in the urine detected during pregnancy indicate inflammation in the urinary tract of the mother-to-be. The most common cause is a bacterial urinary tract infection. Moreover, pregnancy, due to changes in the body such as an enlarging uterus causing urinary stasis, is a condition that predisposes to urinary tract infections, as well as stones.

Leukocytes in urine- symptoms

When leukocytes are present in the urine, most often the pregnant woman notices symptoms such as pain during urination, the need for more frequent visits to the toilet, and in some situations there is also a change in the color of the urine to dark red due to the simultaneous appearance of red blood cells. Sometimes, however, the presence of leukocytes, as well as bacteria in the urine during pregnancy is not associated with the presence of any of the symptoms mentioned. In such a situation, we are dealing with the so-called asymptomatic bacteriuria (asymptomatic bacteriuria).

Leukocytes in urine during pregnancy – treatment

The detection of leukocytes in the urine in pregnancy, accompanied by bacteria, is an absolute indication for the implementation of antibiotic therapy. In most cases, it is selected according to the antibiogram, which is a test of what antibiotic the cultured bacteria is sensitive to. Sometimes, however, it is necessary to use empirical antibiotic therapy, i.e. therapy designed to inactivate the bacteria most likely to cause a given infection without identifying them precisely. The implementation of treatment is decided each time by a gynecologist.

However, it should be borne in mind that leukocytes in the urine can also appear in situations unrelated to urinary tract infection. It is important, therefore, that the doctor, based on symptoms and test results, determine whether, for example, lithiasis is responsible for the appearance of leukocytes in the urine.