White blood cells in sample...but no UTI sumptoms

[OptimisticRealist2024]

As the title says, really. Popped to GP today for anti-sickness tablets and she checked a urine sample and said I had some white cells in there. I don't have any symptoms of a UTI and am really looking to hear if anyone else had similar and it turned out to be okay? Is it just a weird thing that sometimes happens?

GP said she was sending sample to lab so I'll get the results next week. Meanwhile, have done stupidest possible thing and Googled it...and now spiralling a little bit about tumours, preeclampsia, kidney stones and appendicitis. 😞

I've had traces in mine but no-one said anything about it just made a note, was only the once.

@elb1504 thanks - I'm a bit worried as the GP said she was sending to the lab, so not sure if that means it's more serious than yours was if your GP didn't feel the need to send off

White cells can indicate infection. You can have asymptomatic UTIs in pregnancy so GP likely just checking for infection to cover all bases.
White cells are often found in urine dips due to contamination ie they're present on your skin and vaginal discharge and come in contact with sample during collection. Lab will clarify if contaminant or infection. Dr Google is the worst🤦🏼‍♀️

@remaininghopeful23 Thanks! I think I was I totally unbothered at first because the GP was so relaxed. On the way home from GP started to sink in. Wish I'd asked more questions now! I don't think I've ever had a UTI before and had an early loss over the summer, so little worry gremlins are taking over!

Yes, I had the same and took two unnecessary courses of antibiotics then got sent to a&e and referred to the nephrologist in the maternity hospital only to find out there was absolutely nothing wrong (and never had been) 🙄 I was really panicking. It was horrible.
One of the nurses gave me the advice to make sure to hold the sample cup away from your body when you pee into it to avoid contamination. After that I never got told I had a high white cell count again.
The nephrologist said some women get this from heavy cervical mucus etc and unless there are other clear symptoms of infection, like a high temperature or unusual discharge, not to take antibiotics. This was after I was given many, many, many unnecessary courses of antibiotics by my gp. I’m not saying you shouldn’t though but if it keeps happening and you feel fine, get a second opinion.

@DebtinVegas That sounds awful! Glad it wasn't anything serious though. I am awful at giving samples, I have mild dyspraxia and find my brain can't work out where to hold it when I can't bloody see it so have to sort of hold it close and pray. (Don't even get me started on how difficult I find pregnancy tests.) Hopefully the lab will work out if it's contamination 🤞🏼I do feel fine otherwise and don't have a temperature or anything.

So glad I posted here, feel a bit lighter now 😊

It is certainly possible to have an asymptomatic UTI and it’s good that your GP is being diligent about it. If it’s any reassurance, I had WBCs in my urine during this pregnancy but zero symptoms. My GP said it was all fine and my wonderful midwife never mentioned it, which (knowing her) tends to indicate they believe it is fine too. I spoke to a close friend who is a midwife, and she said they focus more on nitrites for UTIs, so perhaps they were present in your urine too if they’re sending to the lab? If you do have an infection, try not to worry! It can be sorted quickly with antibiotics.

It can help to use a bigger container and then pour that into the sample cup (which can be very awkward).