Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking tramadol

Tramadol and pregnancy

Tramadol is not usually recommended while you’re pregnant.

There is not enough safety information to say whether tramadol can cause problems for your baby. If you take tramadol at the end of pregnancy, there's a risk that your baby may have become used to having tramadol. This means that they could have withdrawal symptoms in the first few days of life.

However, it's important to treat pain in pregnancy. For some pregnant women with severe pain, tramadol might be the best option. Your doctor is the best person to help you decide what's right for you and your baby.

Tramadol and breastfeeding

If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, you can take tramadol while breastfeeding. However, it is best to only take tramadol for a few days if possible. If you need to take it for longer, talk to your doctor.

Tramadol passes into breast milk in very small amounts, and it’s unlikely to cause side effects in your baby.

If your baby is not feeding as well as usual, has constipation, or if you have any other concerns about your baby, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, health visitor or midwife.

Tramadol and fertility

There's no clear evidence to suggest that taking tramadol will reduce fertility in men.

However, for women it may affect your periods (menstrual cycle).

Speak to a pharmacist or your doctor if you're trying to get pregnant. They may want to review your treatment.