title: The use of lithium during pregnancy and lactation.
abstract: Because of possible teratogenicity, lithium should be used during the first trimester only if clinically essential. Lithium levels should be monitored throughout pregnancy and dosage adjusted as necessary. Sodium-restricted diets and diuretics should be used with caution. Lithium dose should be reduced with the onset of labor. Mothers who choose to breast-feed should watch for signs of toxicity in their babies. With their consent, pregnant women on lithium should be reported to the American Register of Lithium Babies.
mesh_terms: D000014:Abnormalities, Drug-Induced / Q000209:etiology*; D001942:Breast Feeding; D004039:Diet, Sodium-Restricted / Q000009:adverse effects; D004232:Diuretics / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000378:metabolism; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007743:Labor, Obstetric; D007774:Lactation; D008094:Lithium / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D012042:Registries
chemical_list: D004232:Diuretics; D008094:Lithium