Adequate invasion of the human placenta during the first weeks of pregnancy is a critical step in ensuring both fetal and maternal health.

An increase in NK cell numbers and/or activity in pre- or post-conceptional period in women with recurrent miscarriage or infertility with multiple implantation failures are a significant clinical concern. In addition, characteristics of NK cells in these women support the changes for their increased activity status.

Increased numbers of uNK cells have previously been associated with reproductive failure. The mechanisms of reproductive failure associated with raised uNK cell density appear to be increased angiogenesis (blood vessel development) and peri-implantation blood flow, which may lead to early maternal circulation and hence pregnancy failure due to excessive oxidative stress.

The results of the tests therefore may show that you may have normal or high NK cell levels and activity in blood and/or the womb lining. They may suggest that treatment could help you.

The risk of any damage to your womb during the procedure is very small. If any damage should occur, it should heal without further treatment. If the sample is taken whilst you are pregnant, it could possibly cause a miscarriage, but we will do a pregnancy test for you before you have a uterine sample taken.

Are there any side effects from the uterine sampling?
You may experience some mild discomfort whilst the sample is being taken. This should not be worse than a perid pain.

You may be advised to take mild pain killers (eg: Nurofenx2 or Paracetamolx2) prior to your appointment if you are sensitive.