Prenatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol and the mother-daughter relationship.
The psychological consequences resulting from the exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES), a non-steroidal oestrogen, on the mother-daughter relationship are studied using semi-directive interviews with 43 daughters and 7 mothers treated with DES during their pregnancies. These women referred to gynaecological consultation for DES-related problems. The daughters, exposed to DES during their foetal life, learned about DES after a pregnancy mishap (35% of the cases), or by accident (65% of the cases). All of them were shocked when the existence of DES and its side effects were revealed to them. Consequences on the mother-daughter relationship were absent in 60% of the cases, favourable in 20%, and negative in 20%. Five percent of the women showed hostility towards the medical practice, but 65% were not suspicious of the drugs administered to them during their pregnancies. For 64% of them, administration of DES to their mother had been kept secret. In 7 out of 50 cases, parents alone came for medical assistance in order to manage the secret. Exposure to DES may reveal pre-existing difficulties not only between the mother and the daughter, but sometimes beyond from generation to generation.
Cahen
F
F
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cochin-Port-Royal Hospital, Paris, France.
Dubreuil
E
E
Pons
J C
JC
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004054:Diethylstilbestrol / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004968:Estrogens, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D004968:Estrogens, Non-Steroidal; D004054:Diethylstilbestrol