What teratogenic effect is associated with lithium use during pregnancy?

Lithium use during pregnancy is specifically associated with Ebstein's anomaly, which is a rare heart defect affecting the tricuspid valve. Ebstein's anomaly is characterized by an improperly formed tricuspid valve and an enlarged right atrium, leading to various cardiac complications.

The teratogenic effects of lithium are significant as they can lead to various congenital anomalies when exposed during critical periods of fetal development. Ebstein's anomaly develops as a result of lithium's impact on cardiogenesis during the first trimester.

While other anomalies, such as neural tube defects, spina bifida, and cardiac septal defects, are associated with different medications or conditions during pregnancy, they are not specifically linked to lithium in the same way that Ebstein's anomaly is. Thus, lithium's unique association with this particular cardiac defect underlines its teratogenic risk and the importance of careful management of pregnant patients who require mood stabilization.