Final answer:
There is no safe level of drinking during pregnancy, and the best practice is complete abstinence from alcohol to avoid risks such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Moderate drinking guidelines are not applicable to pregnant women. Alcohol intake during pregnancy can harm the developing embryo or fetus.
Step-by-step explanation:
When it comes to drinking during pregnancy, the safest option is not to drink at all. According to medical guidelines, there is no safe amount of alcohol that can be consumed during pregnancy. While general alcohol consumption guidelines for non-pregnant women suggest that moderate drinking is up to one drink per day, these do not apply in the case of pregnancy.
Consuming alcohol during pregnancy can lead to significant risks, including fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), which can cause a range of developmental, cognitive, and behavioral problems in children. The alcohol that a pregnant woman consumes passes through the placenta and can affect the developing embryo or fetus.
Weight gain during pregnancy is a normal process, with a typical gain of approximately 0.45 kg (1 lb) per month in the first trimester, and an increase in appetite and calorie needs during the second and third trimesters. However, this nutritional need does not extend to alcohol consumption. Therefore, the most responsible and health-conscious choice for an expectant mother is to avoid alcohol completely to protect the health and development of her unborn child.