If you have been researching miscarriages for a little while, you may have come across the term "DES." But what is DES and why is it mentioned in miscarriage discussions?
DES, or diethylstilbestrol, is a synthetic estrogen that was once believed to prevent miscarriage and other pregnancy complications. Doctors prescribed it in the United States between 1938 to 1971. They later discovered that girls born to moms who took DES grew up to have increased risk of congenital uterine anomalies, such as a T-shaped uterus, which can cause recurrent miscarriages, increased risk of ectopic pregnancy, cervical insufficiency, and other problems.
At this point, DES exposure is only a concern for moms over 35 because of the dates in which DES was prescribed. However, if you are over 35 and are having recurrent miscarriages, DES exposure is a possibility to consider.
Some concern exists that grandchildren of DES-exposed mothers could have some abnormalities, but available research has not found increased risk of the same uterine abnormalities in second generations.
The story of DES provides a cautionary tale against assuming the safety of hormonal supplements in pregnancy. Progesterone supplements, for example, are widely used and believed to be safe -- but DES was also thought to be safe back when it was widely used. This is part of why many doctors decide to wait it out before prescribing any medications in pregnancy.
Source:
Center for Disease Control, "Health Risks and Related Concerns for DES Daughters." DES Update: Health Care Providers Mar 2008. Accessed 19 Mar 2008.
