Leukocyte counts may reach 20000 to 30000 in labor and early postpartum.

• A. 20000 to 30000
• B. 5000 to 12000
• C. 1000 to 5000
• D. 40000 to 50000

Answer: (A)

Leukocyte counts rise during labor and in the early postpartum period as a normal physiologic response to stress. This leukocytosis is driven by stress hormones and demargination, with increased production by the bone marrow, and it commonly reaches about 20,000 to 30,000 cells per microliter. It does not by itself indicate infection. If the count were much higher or accompanied by fever, uterine tenderness, or other signs of sepsis, infection would be considered. The other ranges reflect leukopenia or much higher levels that are not expected as a normal finding in this period.