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Primodos: did it damage my grandchildren?

(5 Posts)
Duckling Tue 04-Nov-14 18:53:36

In 1968 I was given 2 pills, called Primodos, as a pregnancy test. These pills contained high doses of hormones which could have damaged the fetus. Doubts about the drug were published in 1967 but it was not banned till the late 70s. Many children were severely damaged physically and/or mentally. My daughter was lucky, but 2 of her children have learning difficulties, one leg longer than the other and are dyspraxic. Iwonder whether her eggs were affected while in my womb.
Has anyone else, who took this drug, grandchildren with similar problems?

grannyactivist Tue 04-Nov-14 19:01:36

Hello Duckling. I'm sorry I have no first hand knowledge of Primodos, but came across this recently published article: www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-29745910
You might find it interesting.

Duckling Wed 05-Nov-14 09:29:34

Thanks. Yes, the government is to release files on Primodos. But I have nowhere seen scientific interest in the possibility that the damage done might extend to the grandchild generation. That is why I am calling all grandmothers to see whether anyone else thinks their grandchildren may have been affected.

harrigran Wed 05-Nov-14 11:29:29

I took this pregnancy test in 1968 and went on to have a daughter, she does not have any children so I am unlikely to find out whether GC would have had a problem.

Granny23 Wed 05-Nov-14 12:26:39

Duckling This way lies madness! Your daughter is fine, her other child/children are fine. Certainly the fact that 2 of her children have the same problems does seem to suggest that something genetic has affected them both but that genetic factor could equally have come from their father' side.

I know we all try to look for reasons and causes for difficulties, while being quite happy to claim, without any factual justification, credit for our DGC's good looks, brains, sporting prowess. In this case the drug has been banned. There is nothing further that can be done. Best to put this worry out of your mind and not dwell on it. Searching for answers will not affect their progress, nor diminish in any way the love you have for your DGC, nor give you peace of mind.