Tramadol during pregnancy

[shiraz76]

Hi,

Nindy, I am sorry to hear about your miscarriage, I too hope you are still trying. Sultrysnow I will email you. For other people who are interested, my rheumatologist advised me to cut down on my tramadol. This made me worried and thought maybe i should just stop it all together even if I can't walk. I went on the internet and got conflicting information. I spoke to the pharmacist but my husband and I were still worried. I spoke to my new obstetrician (i have changed from public to private) who advised the bottom line is tramadol does not cause any birth defects to the baby and does not effect the baby's development. The problem is the baby could be born addicted to to the tramadol. I am not sure how likely this is. My obstetrician said it is best to be on as least medication as possible when you are pregnant but you still need to function. He said i should still take my day time dose as I still need to be able to function. I still feel bad that I have to take it. I feel guilty and wish I didn't have to take it. My husband said I shouldn't feel bad but I sometimes do; can't help it. My rheumatologist said prednisolone is safe to take and so did the obstetrician.

Shiraz76

[HotI]

Shiraz

I am sorry you have these difficult decisions to make, and that you were getting conflicting advice. It doesn't help with working out what to do.

IF your baby is born addicted to the tramadol, they will be able to assist the bub (with medications) to get through it. You have shown your care by getting as much information as possible NOW, and this will help the doctors to be prepared if your bub does need a bit of help when they arrive.

It's great news that the medications doesn't affect baby's development. It's important that you are at your best during pregnancy and when your little one arrives. You might find you can cut down your meds a little, but if you can't try not to feel bad. Your bub needs you to be physically and mentally ready to be their Mum.

take care,

Kate

[Nindy]

Hi Sultrysnow and Shiraz76,

I'm really really pleased my post helped you. I know how I felt when no-one could help me, so it's so great that you're feeling ok about it. Yes, we're still trying and have just had our 4th failed IVF attempt, but we'll keep trying. Shiraz76, I'm also on prednisolone and yes your Dr's are right, it is safe in pregnancy, so don't worry.

It's just great for me also to know that I'm not the only one dealing with chronic pain, tramadol and concerns with pregnancy. I know you can't help but feel bad about it, but you do need to be able to function and believe me, I know what it's like when you try and drop your dose, virtually impossible. So hang in there, be kind to yourself and enjoy the little miracle growing inside you. You're not a bad mother for taking tramadol, it's necessary for your existence, just remember that.

Lotsa love and hugs,
Nindy

[shiraz76]

Hi Sultrysnow, Nindy and Kate,

Thanks for your reply. I know I have already said this but it's good to know that there are a few of us out there who are dealing with chronic pain, tramadol and pregnancy. This is meant rudely but healthy people don't get it. They try to, but unless you have experienced it yourself you can't really understand. Were/are the doctors worried about you guys and pregnancy? The doctors are a bit worried about me, well there are quite a few potential issues but doctors always seem to be over cautious with me. One issue is that I already have high blood pressure (controlled with medication) but as you probably know that makes you more likely to get high blood pressure when you are pregnant. Also being on prednisolone can make you more likely to get diabetes while you are pregnant. Prednisolne can make you break you waters early. Also just the fact that I am pregnant and my body dealing with that, and how that will effect my arthritis. I think there could be more but I can't think of them all. Did you guys get told you might have issues like that? Have any of you had children already? I don't think you have. Nindy, hang in there I imagine IVF would be quite challenging and upsetting. I am sure it will happen for you. Thanks for your posts (think that's what they are called) it was nice to hear I am a good mother already and the baby isn't even born yet. I am only seven weeks but I feel great better than normal I think. I haven't really had any morning sickness or nausea. Anyway better go i am writing an essay.


Cheers,
Shirani