Final answer:
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can result in fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) or fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), leading to physical, cognitive, and behavioral problems in the child, with no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Alcohol penetrates the placenta of a pregnant woman and reaches the infant's brain rapidly and easily, resulting in fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) or fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD).
Consuming alcohol during pregnancy may lead to various birth defects in the child, including distinct facial features, such as a smooth philtrum, a thin upper lip, and small eye openings. Children with FAS or FASD can have severe cognitive, developmental, and behavioral issues.
The teratogenic effects of alcohol can cause permanent damage to the developing fetus at any point during pregnancy, but risks are higher with greater consumption, particularly in early stages.
It is crucial to note that no amount of alcohol is known to be safe during pregnancy, and therefore complete abstinence is the only way to fully prevent the potential harmful effects of alcohol on the unborn child.