FOR DES SONS AND DAUGHTERS
Your mother may be reluctant to talk about DES because of her feelings
about taking it, and her concern that she may have hurt you by doing so.
It may also be difficult for her to remember what drugs she took (if any)
while pregnant so long ago.
Talking with Your Mother
If you would like to discuss DES with you mother, you may have to ask her
several questions to determine whether you were DES exposed. Here are some
ways to bring up the subject:
"I've heard about a drug call DES which was sometimes given to
pregnant women right around the time I was born. I understand it can cause
health problems for the child from that pregnancy and possibly for the women
who took it. Do you remember taking any prescription medicines (even vitamins)
during your pregnancy with me?"
If your mother says that she took prescription drugs during her pregnancy
with you, ask her if she can remember the name of the medication she took.
Medications that contained DES had many different brand names. Click
here for a listing.
If your mother can't remember the medications she took during her pregnancy,
or if she is not sure if she took DES, ask her the following questions:
"Did you have any problems during any pregnancy, such as bleeding,
miscarriages, or premature births?"
"Were you diabetic during you pregnancy with me?"
If your mother answers "yes" to either of these questions, there
is an increased likelihood that she was given DES.
You may want to request your mother's medical records if she thinks she
might have taken prescription medication, or if she is unsure. For information
on how to request and interpret medical records, call one of the DES organizations
listed on page 14 and request the DES Basic Booklet.
If your mother tells you that you were DES-exposed, reassure her that you
understand that she was only doing what she thought was best to preserve
her pregnancy, and what was the accepted medical standard at the time.
Since women who took DES during pregnancy may have a slightly increased
risk for breast cancer, remind you mother to get the recommended breast
care for women her age.
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