During pregnancy, routine urine testing is often performed at each prenatal appointment. These tests can detect the presence of leukocytes, or white blood cells. According to Merck Manual Online Medical Library, leukocytes are usually found in patients in which inflammation is present. There are several reasons why leukocytes may appear in the urine of a pregnant woman.
Urinary Tract Infection
Frequently, an infection of the urinary tract, or UTI, is to blame for the presence of leukocytes in the urine. Women have an increased risk of developing a UTI during pregnancy. The American Academy of Family Physicians explains that during pregnancy, women have an increased bladder volume but decreased bladder tone due to the weight of the baby. Complete emptying of the bladder can be difficult, allowing for bacteria to grow and multiply. An infection of the bladder may then develop, causing a presence of leukocytes in the urine.
Kidney Infection
When a UTI is left untreated, an infection of the kidneys can develop. Also known as pyelonephritis, this infection can cause leukocytes to be present in the urine. It is sometimes accompanied by a high fever and lower back and side pain as well as nausea and vomiting, notes Baby Center. Pyelonephritis should be treated immediately with antibiotics to prevent possible preterm labor and premature rupture of membranes. Pyelonephritis is the leading cause of hospital admission in pregnant women, according to Health.am, a global information site operated by the Armenian Medical Network.
Asymptomatic Bacteriuria
Pregnant women may develop bacteria in their urinary tract and have no symptoms. This condition is known as asymptomatic bacteriuria. Bacteria present in the urinary tract can cause leukocytes in the urine, and may lead to pyelonephritis if it isn’t treated properly with antibiotic therapy. Baby Center explains that asymptomatic bacteriuria is the reason many offices routinely test the urine of all pregnant patients.
Other
Leukocytes can also appear in the urine during pregnancy if vaginal secretions become mixed with urine at the time the sample is collected. Secretions increase during pregnancy to keep the vaginal environment clean and free from bacteria. Patients should cleanse the area with a hygienic wipe, from front to back, and avoid touching the cup to the vagina during collection to avoid mixing vaginal secretions with the urine.
