Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Clinic

TAKE A PREGNANT PAUSE

On September 9, 50 expectant women gathered with 34 partners, friends and other guests to take a “Pregnant Pause”— a non-alcoholic event to celebrate healthy pregnancies and healthy babies—in the Staples area.

The event was sponsored by Lakewood Health System in partnership with the Minnesota Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (MOFAS). Mary Jo Hofer, Lakewood Health System’s Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Case Manager, was excited that the event and its message reached so many people. “They found out that being pregnant and eliminating alcohol doesn’t mean you have to eliminate fun,” said Hofer. “We were very pleased that so many significant others and guests attended. They came from 20 different communities as far away as Waconia and Forest Lake to celebrate with the expectant moms.”

Hofer expressed thanks to volunteers from Staples Curves for Women, Staples Dollar Store and Twisted Sisters. Lakewood Health System physicians Dr. Sarah Israelson and Dr. Christine Albrecht, as well as staff from Lakewood’s Education Department were on hand to provide information about FASD. Free gifts for each pregnant woman and door prizes were donated by area organizations including the Lincoln Area Business Association, Lakewood Health System Foundation and the Staples Area Rotary Club. Prizes included a car seat, diaper bag, baby monitor, baby equipment, baby clothes and toys. There were mini-sessions consisting of soap-making, scrapbooking, beading and massage.

The Pregnant Pause is a fun event with a serious message—FASD is 100% preventable if alcohol is not consumed during pregnancy. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) affects an estimated one in every 100 births, more than Spina Bifida, Muscular Dystrophy and Cerebral Palsy combined. FASD is the number one cause of preventable mental retardation in North America and it is a lifetime disability with brain injury that never goes away. People with FASD often struggle in school, the workplace and in the community. The affected child or adult will often have attention deficits, inability to understand or predict consequences, impulse control problems and poor judgment resulting in behaviors that cause them to struggle in society.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Fetal alcohol exposure may result in serious health, behavioral and cognitive challenges for individuals affected. The spectrum of effects is described by the term "Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder", or FASD. While this term is not a diagnosis, it includes "Fetal Alcohol Syndrome" (FAS) - the most visible presentation of the disability, as well as more hidden disabilities of "partial FAS" and "alcohol related neurodevelopmental disorder" (ARND).

In Minnesota, FASD presents serious health, educational, social and justice system challenges and should be considered a life-long disability.

FASD is evaluated by assessing four areas of indicators:

• Central nervous system (brain function and structure).
• Facial anomalies.
• Growth anomalies.
• Prenatal alcohol history.

The most important of these indicators is impairment of the central nervous system and brain function. Comprehensive assessment is performed to determine the degrees of brain dysfunction and the probability of permanent brain damage. Additionally, the resulting test data give information to professionals that can be used to provide and manage supports to maximize each individual's potential as they learn to live with this disability.

Ten Things You should know about FASD:

• Drinking during pregnancy can cause permanent damage to a developing fetus.
• FASD is one of the most common causes of mental retardation, and is the only cause that is entirely preventable.
• Prenatal exposure to alcohol can cause brain damage and other permanent birth defects.
• Obtaining an FASD diagnosis can improve an individual’s ability to function in the world, and may reduce secondary disabilities like depression and school failure.
• FASD is found in all races and all socioeconomic groups – wherever women drink alcohol FASD exists.
• There is no safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
• Women should stop drinking prior to trying to conceive – alcohol can cause damage to a developing fetus  even before a woman knows she is pregnant.
• FASD is 100 percent preventable.
• With the right diagnosis, support and understanding, many individuals with FASD are living happy and full lives.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
FASD Clinic Coordinator: Office Phone: For Presentations or General Information : Office Phone:	Betty Ness 218-894-8336 Mary Jo Hofer 218-296-1400