Neutrophilsarewhite blood cellsthat help our bodies fight infection.
Neutrophils can be high during pregnancy due to the extra stress that pregnancy puts on a person’s body.
A high neutrophil count duringpregnancyis usually normal.
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However, high neutrophils can sometimes point to an underlying condition, such asgestational diabetes.
This article explains the reasons for high neutrophils during pregnancy.
What Are Neutrophils (White Blood Cells)?
White blood cells are part of the bodysimmune systemand help to protect against infection.
White blood cells are made in thebone marrowand can be found in the blood and lymph tissue.
Neutrophils are white blood cells that help protect the body against infection.
Once created in the bone marrow, neutrophils travel to any tissue in the body that needs them.
Usually, the neutrophils found in the blood are mature.
In times of stress, more immature neutrophils are released into the blood.
Immature neutrophils are known as band neutrophils due to their segmented band-like shape.
Band neutrophils can be detected in a blood test.
you’re able to think of neutrophils as first responders.
Any time your immune system detects a foreign body, it sends neutrophils to the blood.
A release of neutrophils can trigger inflammation in the body.
Most of the increased white blood cells in the bloodstream are neutrophils.
Newborns also have higher WBC counts than most healthy adults.
A typical range for a newborn baby is 13,000 to 38,000 neutrophils per microliter.
A normal range for a 2-week-old is 5,000 to 20,000 neutrophils per microliter.
There are usually no signs or symptoms that can be felt or detected.
Its important to note that the WBC count can also be elevated for other reasons.
Serious conditions, such as certain malignancies, may increase the WBC count.
Summary
Neutrophils are a throw in of white blood cell that helps our bodies fight off infection.
A normal range of white blood cells in healthy, non-pregnant adults is 4,500 to 11,000 neutrophils per microliter.
The WBC count may increase during pregnancy and range from 13,200 to 15,900 neutrophils per microliter.
Most of the increased white blood cells in the bloodstream are neutrophils.
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