Which statement regarding alcohol use during pregnancy is accurate?

The statement that no level of exposure to alcohol is considered to be safe during pregnancy is accurate because research has shown that alcohol can have harmful effects on fetal development at any stage of gestation. Consuming alcohol during pregnancy can lead to a variety of issues collectively known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), which can include physical, behavioral, and cognitive problems. These risks do not rely on the amount consumed or the timing of the pregnancy, as alcohol can interfere with the development of the embryo and fetus even in small amounts. This knowledge is crucial for guiding pregnant individuals or those planning to conceive regarding the importance of abstaining from alcohol to ensure the health and well-being of their developing child.

In contrast, establishing a safe amount of alcohol consumption during pregnancy has been widely deemed imprudent, given the risks associated with any level of intake. Additionally, fetal alcohol syndrome and its associated risks can occur at any point in the pregnancy, not just the third trimester, and occasional consumption is not definitively safe, as even infrequent drinking can pose risks to the developing fetus.