North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

What does an increase in white blood cell count during labor typically indicate?

1. An infection

2. Normal physiological response

3. Dehydration

4. Anemia

The correct answer is: Normal physiological response

An increase in white blood cell count during labor is typically a normal physiological response due to the stress and hormonal changes that occur during this time. The body produces more white blood cells to prepare for the physical demands of labor and to help defend against potential infections. This natural rise is part of the body's immune response and does not inherently indicate an underlying problem. In the context of labor, it is essential to differentiate between a physiological increase in white blood cells and a pathological increase that might indicate an infection or another issue. While infections can cause elevated white blood cell counts, the context of labor itself is a significant factor in interpreting these values. Thus, understanding that a rise is expected during this period helps midwives assess the health status of the laboring person accurately. In contrast, conditions like dehydration or anemia have other specific markers and presentations that would usually accompany them, making them less likely to be directly inferred from just an elevated white blood cell count in the context of labor.