| Component | Prepregnant | Pregnant | Postpartum* |
|---|---|---|---|
| WBC | 4000–11,000 | 9000–16,000 (↑ ); 25,000—labor | 20,000–25,000 within 10–12 days of birth, then returns to normal |
| RBC volume | 1600 mL | 1900 mL | Prepregnant level of 1600 mL |
| Plasma volume | 2400 mL | 3700 mL | Prepregnant level of 2400 mL |
| Hct (PCV) | 37%–47% | 32%–42% (↓ ) | At 72°, returns to prepregnant level of 37%–47% |
| Hgb (at sea level) | 12–16 g/dL | 10–14 g/dL | At 72°, returns to prepregnant level of 12–16 g/dL |
| Fibrinogen | 250 mg/dL | 400 mg/dL | At 72°, returns to prepregnant level of 250 mg/dL |
* Postpartum values depend on factors of amount of blood loss, mobilization, and physiological edema (excretion of extravascular water). Normal blood loss for vaginal birth is 300 to 400 mL.