Final answer:
During pregnancy, the white blood cell count typically increases. This increase is attributed to a higher number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell.
Step-by-step explanation:
The white blood cell (WBC) count usually rises during pregnancy. This is a typical physiological reaction that occurs when the body gets ready to sustain the developing fetus and guard against possible infections. An increased quantity of neutrophils, a subset of white blood cells, is typically responsible for the rise in WBC count. For instance, a study that was published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology discovered that the total WBC count of pregnant women was considerably higher than that of non-pregnant women. Additionally, the researchers discovered that pregnant women had a noticeably larger percentage of neutrophils in their WBC count. It is noteworthy that the rise in white blood cell count that occurs during pregnancy usually falls within the normal range. A substantial departure from the normal range, however, can point to an underlying infection or other illness that needs to be checked out by a medical professional.