Can lithium be used safely during pregnancy?

Lithium is a mood stabilizer often used to treat bipolar disorder, but its use during pregnancy is subject to significant clinical consideration due to potential risks to the developing fetus. The choice indicating that lithium is contraindicated during pregnancy correctly reflects the concerns associated with its use. Research has shown that lithium exposure, particularly during the first trimester, is associated with an increased risk of congenital malformations, specifically cardiac defects like Ebstein's anomaly.

When evaluating the safety of medications during pregnancy, healthcare providers must weigh the benefits against the risks to both the mother and the fetus. In the case of lithium, while it may sometimes be prescribed if the benefits outweigh the risks, it is generally approached with caution. Careful monitoring may be necessary if a patient is already on lithium therapy and becomes pregnant, but because of the potential for serious fetal complications, it is typically avoided unless absolutely necessary.

Other answer options imply varying levels of safety or suggest that lithium can be used without concern or under specific conditions, which does not align with current medical guidelines and findings regarding its teratogenic risks. Thus, stating that lithium is contraindicated during pregnancy is the most accurate and cautious approach based on available evidence.