Recognising Symptoms of Immune-Related Pregnancy Loss: When to Seek Help

UPDATED ON 02 JUNE 2025

If you’ve experienced pregnancy loss without a clear explanation, you’re not alone—and it’s not your fault.

As a reproductive immunologist in India, I’ve worked with many women who have faced this emotionally devastating situation. Sometimes, the issue lies not in your uterus or your eggs, but in something far more complex—your immune system. And unlike other causes of miscarriage, immune-related pregnancy loss often doesn’t come with obvious symptoms.

In this article, I want to walk you through what you need to know about how the immune system can impact pregnancy, the signs you might notice (or not), and when it’s time to seek specialist help.

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Can Your Immune System Cause Pregnancy Loss?

Yes, it can. But it’s not always easy to identify.

In some women, the immune system mistakenly identifies the developing fetus as a threat. When this happens, the immune response can interfere with implantation or lead to miscarriage, especially in the early stages.

This is often referred to as immune-related pregnancy loss, and it’s a growing area of concern in reproductive medicine.

But here’s the catch:

Immune-related pregnancy loss usually doesn’t cause any visible or specific symptoms unless you already have an autoimmune condition.

Common Autoimmune Conditions Linked to Fertility Issues

If you’re already diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, like:

• Thyroid disorders (such as Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease)
• Lupus
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Chronic kidney issues

You may notice some of these symptoms:

• Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
• Skin rashes (temporary or chronic)
• Joint pain or swelling
• Unexplained weight changes
• Leg swelling or edema

However, even if you’re managing these conditions well—or if you have no known autoimmune disease—immune-related fertility issues can still happen silently.

Can Women with Autoimmune Conditions Still Conceive Naturally?

Yes, many women can. If your fertility and age-related factors are otherwise normal, natural conception is absolutely possible—even with an autoimmune condition.

Many women in this category are already on medications that help balance the immune system, such as:

• Corticosteroids
• Azathioprine

These medications help modulate the immune response and may even support a healthy pregnancy, depending on individual needs.

Why Diagnosis Isn’t Always Straightforward?

Here’s something important: despite the growing interest in reproductive immunology, no single test is 100% conclusive.

There’s a wide range of tests available, but none can definitively confirm immune-related pregnancy loss. That’s why experience matters so much in this field.

In my practice, I’ve seen that even with extensive testing, the final treatment decisions often rely on clinical judgment and experience rather than just reports.

Important Takeaway:

Immune testing can support a diagnosis, but it cannot guarantee answers.

What I’ve Learned From Treating Hundreds of Patients?

After years in this specialty, one thing is clear: not everyone who comes in for reproductive immunology needs treatment. But for those who do, the next important question is, what are my treatment options? In fact,

• Only 30 out of every 100 patients who undergo testing need immune-modulating therapies.

• The other 70 typically respond well to:
• A structured ovulation induction plan
• Emotional and medical counseling
• Lifestyle adjustments

This is why individualized treatment is so critical.

The Overlooked Role of Chronic Endometritis (Especially in India)

In India, one of the most commonly missed contributors to infertility and pregnancy loss is chronic endometritis, often linked to tuberculosis (TB).

Even without any outward symptoms, TB can silently affect the endometrium (the uterine lining) and interfere with implantation. So, if you’ve had multiple failed IVF cycles or unexplained losses, this must be ruled out.

Why It Matters?

We often advise an endometrial biopsy or hysteroscopy in suspected cases, especially if immune testing is inconclusive.

When Should You Seek Help?

If you’ve had

• Two or more pregnancy losses without a known cause

• Failed multiple IVF or IUI cycles despite good embryo quality

• A history of autoimmune disease or chronic fatigue, swelling, or skin changes

• No explanation for why implantation fails repeatedly

Then it’s time to consult a specialist in reproductive immunology, Dr. Jay Mehta.

Don’t wait for a third or fourth loss to explore this.

Final Thoughts: There’s Hope—and Help

I know how emotionally draining it is to face loss after loss without a clear reason. But please understand, it’s not always something you did wrong. Sometimes, it’s simply the body reacting in ways even science is still working to fully understand.

With the right guidance, thorough testing, and a treatment plan that’s rooted in experience—not just numbers—you can improve your chances of a successful pregnancy.

Let’s make sure your next step is informed and empowered.

AUTHOR

CONDITION

Repeated Miscarriages

Failed IVF Cycles

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