Unidentified Bacterial Infection During Pregnancy
At 27 years old and 30 weeks into my pregnancy, I recently experienced a sudden episode of vertigo accompanied by fainting while at work. Prior to this incident, I had been experiencing persistent flushing and hot flashes throughout the day. Upon my arrival at the labor and delivery unit a week ago, I presented with a low-grade fever and chills. In the preceding weeks, various complete blood count (CBC) tests revealed an elevated white blood cell (WBC) count peaking at 14,000. However, I only started showing symptoms last week, with a hospital CBC indicating a WBC count of 18,500, along with neutrophils at 14,000, monocytes at 1,200, and immature granulocytes at 0.9. My symptoms primarily consist of fatigue, chills, and a low-grade fever. During my hospital stay, I received an intramuscular (IM) antibiotic (Rocephin), followed by a ten-day course of oral antibiotics. By the fifth day of treatment, I noticed significant improvement; the flushing, hot flashes, chills, and fatigue subsided. Nevertheless, my WBC count remains elevated. Multiple urine dip tests returned negative results thrice, and blood cultures have shown no growth. I've consulted two different obstetricians, both of whom suspect a bacterial infection, but they have yet to identify its origin or nature. I am quite anxious about the possibility of re-infection since the source remains unclear. Throughout this time, my baby’s heart rate is normal, and there have been no signs of abnormal discharge, maternal tachycardia, or uterine tenderness. I haven’t experienced any recent illnesses apart from the sudden fatigue and low-grade fever. The CBC smear revealed no atypical cells. Additionally, the baby has maintained normal movement and activity while I’ve been ill. A subsequent CBC one week later shows no signs of improvement in my condition.
Answers (1)
6/21/2025, 1:10:42 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re navigating a complex situation with your health during pregnancy, and I understand why this would be concerning for you. Your symptoms, alongside the elevated white blood cell count, suggest an ongoing response to an infection, even if it hasn't been clearly identified yet. It's reassuring to know that you have received treatment and that your baby is doing well, but I can see why you'd still feel anxious about the possibility of re-infection given the uncertainties.
Main Points:
- You’re experiencing persistent symptoms and anxiety related to a suspected bacterial infection during pregnancy.
- Although you've shown improvement with treatment, your elevated white blood cell count is still a concern.
- Ongoing monitoring and self-care are essential.
Explanation:
Elevated white blood cell counts often indicate an infection or inflammation in the body. The persistence of your symptoms, despite treatment, suggests your body is still dealing with something. The fact that urine tests and blood cultures have returned negative results might indicate that the source of the infection is not typical or might be resolving itself with the antibiotics you've taken.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close watch on your fever and any new symptoms. Track how you're feeling daily, including temperature, fatigue levels, and any other notable changes in your body.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you stay well-hydrated and maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support your immune system. Consuming plenty of fluids can help fight off any potential residual infection, while good nutrition can assist your recovery.
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Rest: Prioritize rest to help your body recover. Fatigue and low-grade fever can be your body's way of signaling that you need more downtime.
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Follow-Up Care: Continue to communicate openly with your obstetricians about your progress. If your symptoms do not continue to improve or if they worsen, it may be worth discussing additional diagnostic tests or consults with specialists to identify the source of infection.
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Manage Anxiety: It’s normal to feel anxious in these circumstances. Consider practices such as deep breathing, gentle prenatal yoga, or mindfulness, which may help reduce stress and manage anxiety levels.
If at any point you notice changes in your baby's activity levels, experience severe symptoms like red flags of increased temperature or dehydration, or have any sudden changes in your own health status, reach out for immediate medical attention. Your health and your baby’s well-being are the top priorities.
Please let me know if you have specific concerns or need further clarification on any aspect.
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