Using Tramadol while Pregnant: Are You at Risk?
Pregnancy means a lot of changes whether it is physical or emotional because of. Hence, pregnant moms are susceptible to almost all kinds of pain such as a toothache, backache and pelvic pain. These could be trivial or severe.
However, pregnant women should be extra crucial when taking any medications and other variety of pain management because of their condition. Therefore, most of us are wondering: can you take tramadol while pregnant? One of the most potent or powerful painkillers is the tramadol, so there is a growing concern regarding its consumption by pregnant women.
Understanding Tramadol
Tramadol is a prescription painkiller and is specifically prescribed to those who are suffering from moderate to severe pain so just imagine how potent this medicine is. It tends to affect the balance of mood chemicals.
It comes in tablet or capsule and categorizes as an opiate narcotic analgesic. Meaning, it works by altering the way your brain responds to pain. Likewise, it is occasionally used as a recreational drug. The Food and Drug Authority (FDA) approved its generic version in 2002.
To better understand tramadol and how it works, watch the video below.
Why You Should Avoid It
In general, painkillers or analgesics should be avoided while pregnant. It is because most non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like painkillers can affect the blood supply by constricting the major blood vessels in the body.
Moreover, pregnant moms are at high risk of heart problems that can result in high blood pressure in the baby's lungs. Taking painkillers especially in huge doses can impair the delivery of nutrition to the unborn child which can lead to hampering his growth and development. In worse cases, it may result in fetal death.
Since most expecting moms are experiencing breathing problems due to the baby’s position, taking tramadol imposes a significant risk to them. It can slow or even stop their breathing and could be habit-forming.
Take note that misuse of this painkiller can result to overdose, addiction, and even death. Fetuses still have a weak system. Thus, strong medicines like tramadol can take a toll on their health and development.
Possible Side Effects of Tramadol
So, the answer to your question is YES. The tramadol medicine may cause life-threatening symptoms. Aside from the side effects mentioned above, tramadol has been shown to influence bone growth, organ development, and mortality rate when used in animal studies.
In fact, FDA and Janssen issued a warning about prescribing tramadol tablet to those who have drug abuse and alcohol problems, suicidal or emotionally disturbed. The medicine can even cause drowsiness and difficulty in breathing.
Can It Cause Birth Defects and Miscarriage?
Some studies suggested that women who took tramadol in their early pregnancy had an increased risk of congenital disabilities lie club foot and heart defects. However, larger studies are still required before we can say that the use of tramadol during early pregnancy can have such effect.
Likewise, there are no studies as of now that account for possible effects of tramadol on miscarriage and pre-term birth rates of pregnant women. But given the side effects and interaction of tramadol with other medicines, we can agree that taking it during pregnancy will have its negative results to both the unborn baby and to the mother.
Most medicines will cross the placenta, therefore, will reach the baby so we should be extra careful on the type of medicine to take. Even recreational use of tramadol is not advised for pregnant moms. You should always consult your midwife or doctor first so they can give you alternative medications for pain management. It depends on the stage of pregnancy and the risk of it.
Advice from Health Experts
While every pregnancy is unique, we cannot change the fact that there are various pains that a pregnant mom should go through. Given the disadvantages and health risks associated with the use of tramadol, it is better to avoid it or stop using it if you are already taking it.
Before taking any medicines or painkillers while you are pregnant, ask for an expert's opinion. Take into consideration its possible side effects to you and your baby. Your health care provider is still the best person to ask for help and advice.
