ESR is one of the indicators of a general clinical blood test. It stands for the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. This indicator is a nonspecific marker of inflammation of various genesis. Usually, ESR is determined from venous blood by the method of Winthrob.
ESR is a rather volatile indicator in the human body. Thus, in a newborn child, the ESR is very slow, by the adolescent age, the ESR index is determined on a par with adults. In the elderly, the index of ESR increased. Pregnancy also has its own specific fluctuations in this indicator.
During pregnancy, the female body undergoes various changes on the part of all organs and systems. An exception is not the hematopoietic system of a woman. Biochemical indicators in the body of a pregnant woman and not a pregnant woman are very different from each other. When conducting a general clinical blood test, it was noticed long ago that the number of erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and platelets will be normal in a non-pregnant woman, while in a pregnant woman hemoglobin may decrease and ESR increase.
The rate of ESR in pregnancy
The indicator of ESR in pregnant women increases, compared to the usual rate in women, which is up to 15mm / h. The rate of ESR in pregnant women varies up to 45 mm / h.
The indicator of a general clinical analysis of blood ESR can be indicative of many inflammatory processes in the body, such as:
- infection;
- pneumonia ;
- kidney disease;
- disease of the endocrine system;
- poisoning by chemical agents;
- intoxication;
- liver disease;
- elderly age.
Why does pregnancy increase ESR?
In pregnancy, a combination of protein fractions in the blood plasma, therefore increased ESR during pregnancy is not a signal of the inflammatory process.
The rate of ESR in pregnant women in the blood has its dynamics of change. So, in the first two trimester of pregnancy, ESR can decrease, and by the end of pregnancy and in the puerperium this indicator can dramatically increase. It should be remembered that each organism is individual, and the dynamics of changes in ESR during pregnancy can vary in different women, so increased ESR in pregnant women in different trimesters to 45mm / h is not a cause for concern. Decrease in ESR during pregnancy is also not a cause for concern. The reason for this process can be:
- increased blood viscosity;
- neuroses;
- application of pharmaceuticals.
At the same time, a low level of ESR can occur with such pathologies as:
- serpent-cell anemia;
- myodystrophy;
- starvation;
- polycythemia.
Therefore, in some cases, you should always consult a doctor so that he dispels all your doubts and determines the presence or absence of the disease.
Blood test - ESR in pregnancy
General clinical analysis of blood during pregnancy should be taken 4 times:
- in the first trimester;
- at week 21;
- at week 28;
- before giving birth.
This analysis is a simple, inexpensive and effective method of monitoring the body's parameters and their changes.
The error of the laboratory can also be the cause of the wrong definition of this indicator in the body of a pregnant woman. If you suspect a false result, it is advisable to repeat the general clinical blood test in another laboratory.
When assessing the index of ESR during pregnancy, one can not judge the general picture and the state of the organism with only one indicator. It is important to consider all the data of a clinical blood test for correct conclusions and a correct diagnosis.