What condition is characterized by elevated WBC count and slight temperature increase in the immediate postpartum period?

In the immediate postpartum period, an elevated white blood cell (WBC) count and a slight increase in temperature are commonly associated with the physiological changes that occur after delivery. The body goes through a range of adjustments as it shifts from pregnancy back to a non-pregnant state, and a mild leukocytosis (increased WBC count) can be a normal response to the physical stress of childbirth.

A slight fever can also be observed as part of this normal postpartum response. It’s important to distinguish between normal physiological changes and pathological conditions. Infections usually present with significantly elevated WBC counts and higher fever, while dehydration and anemia do not typically cause elevated WBC counts.

Therefore, in the context of the question, recognizing that a minor elevation in WBC and a slight temperature increase can occur naturally after childbirth reflects an understanding of normal postpartum physiology. This makes the identification of the physiological process rather than an illness like infection, dehydration, anemia, or preeclampsia crucial for postpartum assessments.