1. How does someone get FASD?
   The only way someone can get FASD is if their mother drank alcohol when she was pregnant.
   
   
2. How is someone with FASD different than someone who does not have it?
   FASD causes neurological changes which means that a person with FASD processes and responds to information differently than most people. He or she may have trouble remembering information, following directions or communicating with others, for example. Some individuals may also have physical health problems. Other common problems include having trouble:
   
   • adding, subtracting and handling money
   • thinking things through / reasoning
   • learning from experience
   • understanding consequences of their actions
   • remembering things, and
   • getting along with others.
   
   Because of their disabilities, people who are affected by FASD may have special needs that require life long help - even throughout adulthood - regarding :
   
   • handling money, such as paying rent and buying food
     learning from their experiences and making changes in their behaviour
   • understanding consequences of their behaviour, or "cause and effect"
   • interacting with other people socially, and
   • keeping a job.
     
     
3. Does FASD go away or get better?
   No, people with FASD will live with it for their entire life. However, individuals with FASD can live successful lives with the right supports and services.
   
   
4. Can a woman who is pregnant and has FASD give it to her unborn baby?
   A woman who has FASD will not pass it on to her child if she does not drink when she is pregnant. FASD is not genetic.
   
   
5. I have heard that it is OK to drink a glass of wine every once in a while when I am pregnant. Is that true?
   We know that a baby's brain is very sensitive to alcohol while it is developing, but we don't know how much alcohol it takes to cause damage. For that reason, it is best not to drink at all.
   
   
6. What if I drank before I knew I was pregnant?
   Every woman’s situation is different. If you are concerned about your alcohol use early in pregnancy, talk to your doctor, midwife or public health nurse. Your honesty will help them assess the possible risks and provide you and your baby with the best care possible.
   
   Now that you know you are pregnant, stopping or cutting down drinking alcohol will make the baby healthier. It is never too late.
   
   If you need help to stop or cut down on your alcohol use, talk to someone as soon as possible. Some suggestions are:
   
   • Your doctor, community health nurse, midwife or other health care provider
   • Your local public health unit, community health/resource centre, or Friendship Centre
   • FASD Information Manitoba, a confidential toll free phone line at 1-866-877-0050.
     
     
7. What is the father’s role in all this? Can a man’s sperm cause FASD?
   FASD is only caused by a mother’s drinking during pregnancy. However, the expectant father has important role in helping create a healthy pregnancy. He can do this by: staying away from alcohol during his partner’s pregnancy, supporting his partner in finding healthy alternatives to alcohol, modeling healthy coping skills and helping to make the pregnancy as stress free as possible.
   

References:

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) brochure. Public Health Agency of Canada (2005).

FASD Youth Justice Program presentation. Manitoba Corrections (date unknown).