Managing Lithium During Pregnancy

Maintaining lithium at minimally effective levels is crucial for managing bipolar disorder in pregnant women. Careful monitoring is necessary since fluctuation in lithium levels is common during each trimester, with studies showing decreases of 24% in the first trimester, 36% in the second, and 21% in the third. This necessitates adjusting the lithium dose not only based on levels but also on clinical efficacy to ensure the mother's mood stability. Healthcare providers emphasize avoiding substances that can increase lithium levels, like NSAIDs and diuretics, to prevent adverse effects.