Final answer:
The U.S. Surgeon General advises no alcohol consumption for pregnant women due to the risk of fetal alcohol syndrome and related disorders. There is no safe level of alcohol during pregnancy, and abstinence is the only recommended approach.
Step-by-step explanation:
The U.S. Surgeon General strongly advises against any alcohol consumption for pregnant women. Consuming alcohol during pregnancy can lead to severe and irreversible conditions in the developing baby, including fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Even moderate drinking can negatively impact the fetus, and there is no known safe amount of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
Alcohol as a teratogen can cause various developmental abnormalities, and studies show that alcohol exposure even at specific times during gestation, such as around days 19 or 20, can lead to significant facial and developmental disorders. It is essential to understand that while someone of legal drinking age may consume alcohol in moderation, this does not apply to pregnant women, where the only safe approach is complete abstinence.