Any "DES Daughters"?

caroline824 · October 2013

It's rare and I don't know a ton about it but between the 1940's and 1970's many women were given a drug called Diethylstilbestrol (DES) because it was thought that DES helped prevent miscarriages and other problems. In 1971 the FDA determined that it was actually causing tumors and other complications for the babies of the moms who had taken it. It can cause cancers, misshapen cervix, ectopic pregnancy, and other problems for the baby (when she grows up).
I was born in 1980 so I honestly have no idea why my mom's dr was giving it to her but he was. Since I've had normal periods my whole life my dr isn't too worried but is going to measure my cervix in two weeks and keep a close eye

Just wondered if anyone else out there has had a similar experience.

IBackBevo · October 2013

Oh, geez! I have never even heard of this. Anxious to hear responses. I was born in 80, too.

acesweet · October 2013

I haven't heard of this! It's crazy what they use to tell/give pregnant women back then. My grandma started smoking when pregnant with my uncle because the dr said it would reduce her anxiety and stress.

Keep us updated on how you are doing!

caroline824 · October 2013

Thanks! Yeah, it's always bothered me that after the FDA said DES was bad apparently some drs still used it. My mom actually called her dr and asked him about it just to see if she could get more info for me when I was trying to start my own family. The dr acted like it was no big deal. He claims he gave it to her before she got pregnant so I shouldn't be affected. But it could have easily been in her system when she conceived. Oh well. I feel like I have a good chance of being ok. I've always had regular periods which is a good sign and I feel good that my dr is taking it seriously and wants to measure everything to make sure there aren't complications.

Unknown · October 2013

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carissa32581 · October 2013

I am a DES granddaughter. I've never met anyone else who has DES history in their family. My mom did have trouble getting pregnant and then carrying to full term ( I was born at 28 weeks and brother at 30 weeks). My doctor seems to think the chance of it affecting 3rd generation like me is rare but he is going to watch closely for signs of incompetent cervix since that was my moms problem with both pregnancies.