QuestionHi I am 13 weeks pregnant and just found out last week. I have been taking tramadol for about a year now for back problems. Since I found out I have stoped it, but some days the pain is really bad. I wanted to know in your medical opinion will my baby be ok. And what other kind of pain medicine sould I talk to my doctor about? I have not been to to doctor yet. ( I am waiting for my first appoinment)
Thanks
Jennifer
AnswerDear Jennifer,
Tramadol is considered a FDA pregnancy category C drug. This means that:
-Studies on animals show adverse effect and toxicity on fetus.
-No adequate and well controlled studies done on pregnant women.
-Drugs should be given only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.
Human data for tramadol specifically is limited, however it has been found not to be teratogenic in animals but is fetotoxic at HIGH doses causing decreased fetal weight, skeletal ossification, increased super numerary and transient delay in developmental and behavioral parameters. And it does cross the human placenta and a newborn would be quite susceptible to withdrawal from this medication with chronic use throughout a pregnancy.
It is good that you have discontinued use. There is no specific information that I can find that would indicate a high risk taken early in pregnancy - only chronic use throughout a pregnancy. For more information, you can ask your doctor, but at this point I really would not worry yourself. If there is an obvious medical problem with the baby, they should be able to note it on ultrasound.
As to other meds, it would depend upon your specific condition and whether it is due to inflammatory issues or another problem. Your OB doctor will be able to look at your specific medical history and narrow down the best medications for your particular condition.
I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I apologize for the delay in the answer - I was on a rare vacation for the 4th and was delayed.
Brenda
