02/03/2026
You’d usually consider reproductive immunology when pregnancy or fertility problems might be driven by immune system issues—especially after more common causes have already been checked.
Here are the main situations where it’s often worth seeking one out 👇
Recurrent pregnancy loss
Two or more miscarriages, especially if:
They happen early and without a clear genetic cause
Standard testing (genetics, uterus anatomy, hormones) is normal
Repeated IVF or embryo transfer failure
Multiple good-quality embryos that don’t implant
Failed transfers despite normal uterine imaging and hormone levels
Known or suspected autoimmune conditions
Lupus, antiphospholipid syndrome, Hashimoto’s, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.
Even “mild” or well-controlled autoimmune disease can sometimes affect implantation or placentation
Unexplained infertility
You’ve tried for ≥12 months (or ≥6 months if 35+)
All standard fertility tests come back normal, but pregnancy isn’t happening
Pregnancy complications with immune links
Severe preeclampsia
Placental insufficiency
Recurrent growth restriction
Stillbirth without a clear cause
Abnormal immune or clotting labs
Positive antiphospholipid antibodies
Elevated NK cell activity (controversial, but often cited)
Abnormal cytokine or inflammatory markers
Unexplained thrombophilias
Strong personal or family immune history
Multiple autoimmune diseases in you or close relatives
History of inflammatory or allergic disorders tied to pregnancy issues
