Final answer:
To protect the developing baby, it's safest for the mother-to-be to not drink alcohol while pregnant, planning to be, or when breastfeeding. Alcohol can cross the placenta and enter the unborn child's blood, potentially causing abnormalities in growth and development.
Step-by-step explanation:
The safest choice for a mother-to-be is to not drink alcohol while pregnant, planning to be, or when breastfeeding. Alcohol can cross the placenta and enter the unborn child's blood, potentially causing abnormalities in growth and development. The critical period for organ formation is during the first eight weeks of pregnancy, so it is especially important to avoid harmful substances during this time. There is no known safe amount of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, and consuming alcohol can lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders with lifelong consequences for the child.