Questions You Should Ask Your Mother (Part 2)
Under Family Category: Mother in Family, Family Parenting
Continued From Questions You Should Ask Your Mother
5. Did you take any pharmaceutical drugs when pregnant with me?
If you were born between the 1940s and late 1960s, it is especially important to find out whether your mother was prescribed DES (diethylstilboestrol) during the pregnancy.
A strong link has been established between this drug and a higher rate of a rare carcinoma of the vagina and cervix in the daughters of those women who took it to prevent miscarriage. If you’ve been exposed to this drug, other nonmalignant abnormalities of the uterus, cervix and vagina may also occur.
If you’re at risk, it is important to have a hysterosalpingogram (injection of dye into and X-ray of your uterus and Fallopian tubes) before planning a pregnancy to anticipate any problems. And have regular gynaecological examinations as well.
The health department in your state can provide you with up-to-date information about DES and refer you to support agencies.
6. What age were you when you reached menopause?
While the age of both the menarche (the start of menstrual bleeding) and menopause are not genetically linked, the tendency to premature ovarian failure (`early menopause’) can be inherited. Your ovaries stop producing eggs, your periods cease and you can no longer get pregnant.
If your mother or other women in your family reached menopause early, you could see a geneticist for advice. Your doctor, family planning clinic or women’s health centre can arrange a referral.
7. Does anyone in our family have a genetic condition or disorder?
Common genetic disorders include Down syndrome and cystic fibrosis. Tests to determine whether a foetus carries the gene for such a condition are available at different stages of pregnancy.
Your gynaecologist, obstetrician, midwife or birth centre will be able to advise you. They may recommend genetic counselling. This service is available in many large public hospitals; in regional areas, enquire at your community health centre.
8. Is there a familial history of bowel cancer?
Two types of bowel cancer are known to have genetic links. FAP (familial adenomatous polyposis) affects a very small percentage of the population. HMPCC (hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer) is also hereditary.
As with other cancers, if there is any family history, make sure you have regular screenings. The earlier that symptoms are discovered, the better off you will be in terms of treatment and your chances of survival.
Babies born into families with a history of bowel cancer can be genetically tested at birth. Diet plays a major preventative part, too. Eat plenty of high-fibre foods such as whole grains, fruit and vegetables. Studies show that bran can be helpful in encouraging `good’ bacteria that assist in the prevention of this disease.
9. Has anyone in our family suffered frombronchial asthma or eczema?
There is a connection between various lung and skin disorders such as bronchial asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, hay fever, psoriasis and eczema. It is known as the ATOPY tendency.
The symptoms may show up differently in members of the same family - and at varying life stages. One may have sensitive skin, another may suffer from bouts of mild hay fever. Others may develop more auto-immune problems such as bronchial asthma.
A range of therapies and preventative measures are available. Consult your GP or other qualified health professional.
10. Is anyone in our family an alcoholic?
When you ask this question, make sure that it’s clear that you are asking about the disease alcoholism, and not simply about a relative who likes the occasional drink.
Alcoholism is considered an inherited tendency. If you are worried that you could be an alcoholic, you should seek help and advice. Information is available from state health departments. Your doctor or local health centre can refer you to counselling and other programs. For ongoing support, contact Alcoholics Anonymous.
feel free to leave a comment
Comment Guidelines: Off-topic or inappropriate comments will be edited or deleted. Email addresses will never be published. Keep it PG-13 people!
XHTML: You can use these tags: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <code> <em> <i> <strike> <strong>
All fields marked with " * " are required.


2 people have left comments
[…] […]
I think those are excellent questions to ask our mothers. We sometimes forget that our parents had a life before they had kids