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WBC is high 16 week pregnancy
Hi Dr,
My wife is in 16th week of pregnancy by IVF.
We have all reports normal ( wtith God grace) but WBC is always high.
We did CBC on 27th Dec 2025 and it was 15.89 approx and Today is 18.9.
Mine wife has always WBC high ( around 11k) from childhood.
I am attaching Last CBC and latest Report.
She is on lots of medicine including Dexona 0.5(1-0-1) from start of pregnancy.
Does this medicine cause the WBC variation?
I am worried about Cancer
Please suggest.
Our Gynco said report is OK. Need second review once.
Answers (13)
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Juz do one peripheral smear test for cytological picture and rule out disease and differential count status and morphology..cd4 and cd8 counts too..it wud be normal ..only...may be some infection cud have led to wbc count high check crp too...it may be physiological only..kindly consult physician
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It is common that WBC count increased during pregnancy . Nothing to worry .
It is called as gestational leucocytosis.
It is also an effect of dexona also .
Next Steps
Continue same treatment as advised by your gynecologist.
Continue iron and folic acid tablet
Take Injection TT if not taken ( after consulting your doctor )
Health Tips
Maintain hydration
AVOID ALCOHOL
AVOID FAST FOOD
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I understand your concern — seeing rising numbers during pregnancy can be stressful.
This WBC increase is very common in pregnancy and is further explained by Dexona, which is known to raise WBC (especially neutrophils).
The overall CBC pattern is reassuring and does not suggest anything serious. Since her WBC has been on the higher side even earlier, this appears physiological, not worrisome.
Next Steps
• Continue current treatment as advised by your gynecologist
• No urgent intervention needed unless symptoms like fever appear
Health Tips
If you’d like, we can go through the reports together in detail and clear all doubts calmly.
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Your wife’s WBC counts (15.89 on Dec 27, 2025 → 18.9 now) are elevated, but this is very common and expected in pregnancy — especially in the second trimester (16 weeks), where normal WBC can range from ~5.6–14.8 ×10³/µL (often up to 15–16 or even higher in some references). Pregnancy naturally causes physiological leukocytosis (higher WBC) due to immune changes to protect the baby.
Additionally, Dexona (dexamethasone) 0.5 mg twice daily (1 mg total/day) is a corticosteroid, and steroids like this commonly cause an increase in WBC (mainly neutrophils) — often by 20–50% or more, peaking within 24–48 hours but can persist with ongoing use. This is a known side effect, not a sign of infection or disease in most cases. Her lifelong mildly high WBC (~11k) may add a baseline, but the current rise aligns with pregnancy + Dexona effects.
Cancer (like leukemia) is extremely unlikely here: no other alarming signs (e.g., very high blasts, anemia, low platelets, unexplained weight loss, night sweats), reports are otherwise normal, gynae says OK, and this pattern fits benign causes perfectly. Reassuringly, your gynae has already reviewed and approved — trust that.
Next Steps
• Continue Dexona exactly as prescribed — do not stop or change without gynae advice (it’s likely given for IVF support, e.g., to reduce inflammation or support implantation).
• Follow up with your gynecologist soon (next routine visit or earlier if worried) — share both CBCs and ask if they want a repeat or differential count (to confirm neutrophil predominance, typical in steroid/pregnancy effect).
• No immediate need for oncology referral or cancer worry unless new symptoms (fever, bruising, fatigue, infections) appear — which are absent here.
• If any infection signs (fever, pain, discharge) develop, contact gynae promptly (steroids can mask some symptoms).
Health Tips
• Stay hydrated (plenty of water) and eat well — supports overall health.
• Monitor for any new/worsening symptoms (fever, chills, unusual fatigue) and note them for the doctor.
• Rest assured: this WBC pattern is classic for pregnancy + low-dose steroid use, not malignancy. Many IVF pregnancies show similar rises without issues.
• Keep positive — with normal reports otherwise and gynae approval, everything sounds on track.
For extra reassurance or to discuss full CBC details/symptoms, please consult with me online — happy to help explain more.
Congratulations on the pregnancy, and take care!
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Need few more details for proper understanding of your issue.
You can consult with me online on Practo or whatsapp on eight three one eight four six nine eight eight six for proper diagnosis, conclusion and management
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NO CANCER RELAX.
BUT WHY WBC IS SO HIGH.
CONSULT HAEMATOLOGIST WITH GYNAC. STEROID IS HARMFUL .
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Better stop dexona during pregnancy. Wbc count can be high due to mild infection or inflammation as well, no need to worry.
Continue follow up with your gynecologist.
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Report is good , no worry, if you stop taking steroid , immunity and wbc will also increased.
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It will be good if you can stop the Dexone and consult your gynaecologist or haematologist, and you should stop medications on your own and raised. WBC count is something to be reported to your haematologist or Physician.
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Dr. Sajid Ali
General Practitioner
4 yrs exp
Kanpur
Report are normal
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Dr. Anuj Mothsra
General Physician
6 yrs exp
Jhunjhunu
Can help you, kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
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Dr. Vetsa Sri Krishna Chaitanya
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Rajahmundry
Need a few more details please consult for further evaluation and treatment
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