Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Suggested for you
Suggested for you
Suggested for you
Tramadol in Pregnancy - Complications and Precautions to Follow
Most medicines that mothers take during pregnancy will cross the placenta and reach their babies. This can sometimes be beneficial to the child, but not always; there are some medications that can be quite harmful to your baby’s growth and development. It really depends on the type of medication prescribed and at what stage of pregnancy a woman is at. All the changes in the body that take place during pregnancy are bound to cause a lot of stress, and everyone already knows that hormonal changes often bring with them unwanted aches and pains. This is why some women would rather be on some kind of medication for the pain rather than not have anything at all. Tramadol is used to treat pain in some situations.
What is Tramadol (Ultram)
Moderate to severe pain during pregnancy can be treated by Tramadol, a medication that works by affecting the balance of mood chemicals in the brain. This is often prescribed to patients who are suffering from an injury or when recovering from surgery. Sometimes it is used as a recreational drug, but in doses much higher than that required when it is only used as a painkiller.
Why Do Pregnant Women Require Pain Medication
During pregnancy, the body undergoes physiological and hormonal irregularities that result in different symptoms. Sometimes the symptoms are trivial and do not require any kind of pain medication, but there are also times when the pain is quite severe, and it requires some kind of action. Here are some reasons why pregnant women may need to take something for the pain:
The diameter of blood vessels changes due to the hormonal changes during pregnancy and results in headaches and migraines. The intensity of these can vary, but they have been known to be severe enough to warrant some kind of medication for relief.
Pressure on the spine caused by your expanding foetus can result in backaches that can sometimes become unbearable. Those who are carrying multiples will find this especially relevant in their case.
The stability and strength of the ligaments changes as the body tries to prepare the pelvis for delivery. This results in a lot of pelvic pain that may sometimes require medication.
Your lower limbs have had to deal with a lot of extra weight, and this causes pain from all the nerves and ligaments that have been bearing the strain of your baby’s additional weight.
Is Tramadol Safe in Pregnancy
Though there are some medications out there with more serious side effects of dependency due to their higher opioid content, Tramadol is also known to cause addiction and neonatal dependency on the drug. A change in the diameter of the umbilical vessels is caused due to the painkillers, and this will have an effect on the flow of blood to your baby. This is why it is best to stay away from painkillers in general during your pregnancy unless you have no choice but to take them.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) in particular are known to cause this problem. If the blood flow is restricted, your baby will not get enough nutrition, which will either result in restrictions in growth and in extreme and unfortunate cases, the death of the child.
So, can you take tramadol while pregnant? Only if prescribed by your doctor when there is no other choice. It is best to stay away from it as it is not considered safe due to lack of proper study. In tests done on animals, it showed that Tramadol has the possibility of causing moderate to severe damage in the foetus. Respiratory depression and collapse in the foetus is a very serious threat, and so the use of Tramadol is strictly forbidden during delivery.
What If a Pregnant Woman has Already Taken Ultram In Pregnancy
If you have taken Tramadol, let your doctor know about it and so that you can get the proper advice on how to go about it from there. If at all your doctor feels you need it, the smallest possible dose will be prescribed to you. But most doctors will prescribe something that is less harmful. If you take them frequently and you want to stop, it is not advised that you stop taking it cold turkey. Instead, bring this to your doctor’s attention so that you can get professional help in weaning yourself off the drug without incurring the sudden withdrawal symptoms that can take place from such a sudden action. If the drug is stopped cold turkey, you are likely to experience irritation, anxiety or panic, diarrhoea, chills, hallucinations and so much more.
Complications & Side Effects of Taking Tramadol during Pregnancy
Here are some of the complications or side effects associated with taking Tramadol during pregnancy:
1. Easily Abused
The central nervous system responds to pain differently because Tramadol changes this aspect, making it very easy to abuse the drug.
2. Maternal and Foetal Addiction
Due to the potent and opioid components in this drug, it is addictive in nature, something that is very dangerous for babies. If this drug is used consistently, there is a high chance that babies will become dependent on it. Even after the drug is discontinued, babies will still experience withdrawal symptoms one month after birth. Babies can also experience birth defects or premature births. A few other symptoms include irritability, jitteriness, seizures and abnormal muscular activity.
3. Dangerous Combos
If this drug is mixed with other medication it may cause uncontrollable shaking and seizures can result.
4. Simply Problematic
Even when taken in the correct dose, Tramadol has been known to cause side effects such as abdominal pain, itchiness and rashes, joint pains, depression, severe headaches, nausea and more.
5. Learning and Behavioural Problems
Your baby’s brain is developing even until the end of your pregnancy. Taking medications during your pregnancy can have lasting effects on your child’s learning and behaviour.
6. Tramadol and Breastfeeding
Like some other medications, Tramadol can be transferred into the breast milk. If babies consume too much of it through breast milk, they are likely to show signs of increased sleepiness, sedation, difficulty breastfeeding, difficulty breathing and limpness, and will need to see an expert.
Precautions to Follow While Taking Tramadol
If you do need to take this drug for some reason, keep the following precautions in mind:
It is not meant to be used along with MAO inhibitors.
Avoid alcohol during treatment.
When it comes to patients who suffer from drug dependence, central genesis, liver dysfunctions and increased sensitivity to opioid components, treatments with this drug should be avoided.
Avoid it for treatment of narcotic withdrawal syndrome.
It should not be used for more than the specific amount of time needed as prolonged use can cause dependency on the drug.
It should not be used for children under 14.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions:
1. Will baby require extra monitoring during pregnancy or after delivery?
At around twenty weeks, most women are offered scans as a part of their antenatal care. Here they will check for birth defects in the baby. Though using Tramadol is not actually expected to cause any problems that would require the need for extra monitoring, those who need to take the drug for a particular medical condition are watched more closely so that you can be sure that your baby is growing and developing the correct way. Women who tend to use the drug for recreational purposes are watched even more closely. Those women who have had to take Tramadol during their late pregnancy will have babies who will need to be kept for observation after birth for any kind of signs of withdrawal.
2. Does it affect the baby's health if the father has taken Tramadol?
So far we have seen how tramadol and pregnancy go together from the maternal side. Though there has been no study dedicated to investigating what the effects of Tramadol in the father have on the unborn child, most experts say that it is not likely that the drug can cause any harm to the baby through the sperm. More study in this area is needed, especially on the effects the drug has if the father takes it at the time of conception.
Always keep a record of any medications you take so that you can inform your doctor about them if and when needed. If you have any need to see a doctor for your own health, make sure that the doctor knows that you are pregnant so that this can be taken into consideration when medication is being prescribed for you.
Being prescribed medication like Tramadol, something that has been known to cause some unpleasant side effects, you will have to examine the benefits and disadvantages before deciding on whether it is worth taking the risk. How medications affect your baby is important, and you need to be very careful about what medication you decide to put into your body.
Also Read: List of Unsafe Medicines Pregnant Women Should Avoid Read more
Suggested for you
6 Habits you Must Develop to Let the Yoga Magic Work
You are all charged up to practise yoga and have already started dreaming about the world of good it will do to your body. Your hubby and kids are thrilled too. Well, while yoga is definitely great for good health, your efforts will be wasted if you fail to follow habits for a healthy lifestyle!
Yoga is an ancient form of exercise which builds both physical and mental resistance. However, yoga must be accompanied with a few essential habits in your daily lifestyle. It won't do to miss out on sleep or nutritious food, for example, and expect yoga to work wonders! If you are not following these habits already, pick them up today and accompany them with yoga for an awesome you.
How to Live a Yoga Lifestyle
1. Eat a Yogic Diet
What's a yoga diet plan? Well, one that's healthy, nutritious and balanced with all important vitamins, minerals and proteins! Include lots of fruits in your meals, whole grains such as oats, herbal tea and fresh veggies. You must abstain from processed and artificial foods, too much salt and alcohol. A healthy plate translates into a healthy body.
2. Keep your Spirits Sky-High
The monotony of daily life, coupled with the household chores and mommying you must do, can sometimes get you down. Yoga will help you build a stronger mind but only if you first learn to steer clear of depressants. Connect with your husband more, take frequent breaks and live each day to its fullest to remain cheerful.
3. Sleep, Baby, Sleep
It's not just your baby who needs plenty of sleep! Healthy sleep habits are an absolute essential for a body that's attuned to yoga. One of the best yoga tips is to try and get at least 7 hours of sleep; make up with a daytime nap if you must. Have an early dinner and make sure to not exercise too close to your bed time. Once you're getting good sleep, it will also be easier to wake up for yoga every morning.
4. Take it slow
As a mom, you know little rest and jump from one chore to another interminably. Stop rushing all the time and ask others for help if you have to. Yoga will be able to give you the acclaimed inner peace only if you learn to take things more easily. Stop living as if there's a constant time bomb ticking away in your closet!
5. Chuck Negative Relationships
You can do much better without the woman who was once a friend but now feels like a burden, the neighbour who gossips ill news about everyone and the colleague who cares too much about office politics. Yoga demands that you distance yourself from all sorts of negative energy. Try to be in positive company and hang out only with people who make you happy. That's the best way to adopt a yogi lifestyle!
6. Take Time Out to Unwind
If the busy day leaves you with no time for leisure, this is worse news than you can imagine. It is imperative that you make some time to read a good book, listen to music or paint a few strokes. Spend time focusing on what you love best – and it could be any hobby right from gardening to sculpture. Yoga calls for concentration and this can only come through focus.
If you have been planning to start yoga, first ensure you have a yoga lifestyle diet and habits. It will definitely be demanding to accommodate time for yourself but hey, you deserve it! Let these healthy habits prepare your mind and body to fully embrace the goodness of yoga. Read more
Suggested for you
9 Everyday Things Causing Infections in Babies & How to Prevent This
When you think of germs, a few common 'dirty places' come to the mind – washrooms, toilets, public toilets, dustbins, garbage collecting trucks, and so on. Looking closer to home, you might think of your shoe rack, the attic or storage room, the garage, and other such places. But what if we told you about some unexpected places and objects that are several times dirtier and actually putting your baby at risk for infection?
As parents, you must have baby-proofed your home to the best of your knowledge. You take every possible effort to keep your child clean, safe and away from germs. But they still fall ill so very often! Diarrhoea, stomach infection, skin rashes...we think these are just "babyhood" illnesses. But what if there are some places at home that are actually triggering these infections?
We have compiled for you a list of surprising places that are dirtier than they look! While you might think some of these are 'safe' for your baby to get their hands, feet, mouths onto... they really are NOT!
1. Cell Phones
Don't tell us, but ask yourself: where all do you carry your phone with you? The same phone that you show baby videos and nursery rhymes to your child on? Our cell phones go with us to the office, conference rooms, public washrooms, baby rooms in malls, restaurants, gyms... heck, people even carry their phones into their own bathrooms, when they are going to sit on the pot!
What To Do? First of all, we must STOP carrying your phone everywhere! Second, it's best to ditch those phone covers – they collect more dust and dirt than the phones themselves. If you absolutely MUST use a cover, make sure you get a new one every month. Finally, clean your phone with a soft clean cloth at least once every day. You can use a cotton bud to get into the crevices.
2. Handbags
This one should be a no-brainer, especially after you read the above point. However, this applies to all bags you carry – grocery bags, shopping bags, purses, and yes, your baby bag too. Ladies bags go everywhere with them. In fact, a recent study suggested that they are dirtier than your kitchen sink!
What To Do? - Wash your bags regularly, and by regularly we mean every two weeks. Use different bags to buy different things – one for groceries, one for veggies, and one exclusively for all baby stuff. Use a good detergent to wash the bags. Leave the bags soaked for a while before washing them.
3. Dish Towel / Kitchen Towel
We tend to keep utensils really clean; this comes as an instinct. But how many of us pay attention to the kitchen towel we use to wipe our utensils clean? Not many, we bet! Kitchen towels are one of the most neglected items in the kitchen. But you can't say that anymore – we've warned you!
What To Do? - Wash your kitchen towel every day. We are not kidding, every single day. Change all the kitchen towels every 3 months and buy new ones (and NO, do not recycle them as rags or pochhas!). Use separate towels for your baby's utensils.
4. TV Remote
TV Remotes get handled and used by everybody who steps into the house – friends, family, relatives, everybody. They are also one of the least cared for gadgets. Most people take extra care while using their phones, iPads, etc. But remotes get handled rather carelessly – while eating, working in the kitchen, cleaning the house, etc.
What To Do? - Wipe these innocent-looking gadgets clean with a clean cloth every day. You can even use a mild cleanser to wipe them clean (of course, be careful not to damage the remote).
5. Stove Knobs
All that high-flame, heat, oil and grease, curry and gravy that keeps spilling in the kitchen is bound to get deposited on the stove knobs – another neglected place. This one is particularly bad as we touch the knob in order to turn the stove on to cook. Our hands directly touch utensils and food after touching the knob... eeeew!
What To Do? - Clean your stove, and especially the stove knob, at least every couple of days. Be careful and make sure you turn the gas-cylinder off while cleaning your stove.
6. Curtains and Drapes
We remember to wash bedsheets, bed covers, pillow covers, and bath towels regularly. But when was the last time you washed your curtains? A long, long time ago, isn't it? Curtains tend to act like filters – they trap most of the dust and germs coming in from your window. This also makes them a hot spot for germs though, and even mosquitoes.
What To Do? - Pick curtains that are easy to wash and light in colour. We tend to pick darker curtains because they don't soil easy, whereas the truth is – we are just not able to see all the dirt that they collect. Lighter the curtain, easier will it be to understand how much dirt it has caught.
7. Computer Keyboard
Much like TV remotes, computer keyboards (and mouses, for that matter) are used without much care. The toughest part are the crevices between the keys where everything collects – from dirt to food particles (come on, you munch on something when you are at the keyboard, don't you?), and scores of other things.
What To Do? - Overturn the keyboard and tap it lightly on the table surface to dislodge particles caught between the keys. You can use old sticky-notes or post-its, and a soft brush to get these particles. While buying a keyboard, try and pick one which is designed such that it won't catch much dirt.
And outside the house you have...
8. Car Dashboard
The interiors of your car get just about as dirty as the exteriors... perhaps even more. We go to places, collect all the germs, and come back and sit in our cars. And the first place we dump the things we are carrying is in the backseat and on the dashboard – those dirty handbags, that precious cell phone, that shopping bag with diapers for your baby.
What To Do? - Every time you wash your car, make sure you clean the interiors too. Use a good vacuum cleaner to get to the corners. You can even use a wet cloth and a mild cleanser to wipe the dashboard, door handles, and general interiors on a more regular basis.
9. Menu Cards
Did you know that a recent study suggested that menu cards are close to 100 times dirtier than restaurant toilets/washroom? Life has evolved such that most families dine out at least once every fifteen days. You never know who touched that card before you – or the ketchup bottle, or the salt and pepper shaker, or the saunf plate/bowl.
What To Do? - Always, always use a hand sanitizer before actually eating the food you've ordered. Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly with a good antiseptic handwash after you get home. And never let your baby touch any of the things on the table. Make sure you give your baby a good and thorough wipe too.
While these are really unexpected places that are full of germs, do not lose your mind over germ-proofing your house/surroundings! Basic common sense, awareness, and a good degree of hygiene will help you keep most germs at bay. Nonetheless, be a little extra careful about the above places and things. Wish you and your baby the pinkest of health! Read more
Suggested for you
Contribution – Everything happens for a reason and the reason is always good.
Marriage is a journey full of ups and downs. A successful marriage is not about marrying the right person ,it’s about accepting the person with all their flaws. No one is perfect and rather than tryng to change the person learn to accept them as they are. I feel the most important ingredients for successful marriage is keep ego away, sharing and talking about anything in this world without the fear what they might think.There is nothing that can not be sorted out without talking. Support your partner’s decision and if you are not with them tell them why you feel they are not right and try to have a balance.Never try to impose your decision on other. Everyone is equal and deserves Same amount of respect. Never expect too much from your partner.Expectations if not fulfilled only hurt and create problems. Rather appreciate whatever Little things they do for you. It might be small thing but they are willingly doing it.Cooking, looking after house are not something one should expect only from women. They are you life partner not your maids. If they are willingly doing it ,it’s because they love you and care for you . Thinking it’s their job and expecting them to do it is wrong. Rather try to share the burden.Most women’s are working and even if they housewife they are working for your family 24/7 . Respect their contribution towards making your life better rather than abusing them for what they are missing.A day swapping what they do will make both of them reslise how difficult others life is.Misunderstandings can be greatest enemy.If ther is any try to sort of by talking and why what might have happened.Be patient and listen carefully to others rather than making own assumptions. Lastly your life partner can become your best friend too.Try it ,it makes life easier.
Read more
Dr Muhsina has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
4 hours ago
Q. now I am in 30 weeks of pregnancy I have vomiting.I couldn't control what the reasons for this vomiting
Dr Muhsina
Expecting Mom due in 3 months
3 hours ago
A. Some women may have vomiting throughout their pregnancy. The most common reason for vomiting during the third trimester may be gastritis. Make sure you eat small frequent meals, preferably every 2 hours. If your baby's weight during checkups are adequate..u needn't worry much about this. You can also consult your doctor and take anti emetics and PPIs if the vomiting is bothering you or interfering with your daily activities.
Ranjitha has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. Is it okay is the baby does not pass stool for one day?
Ranjitha
Guardian of 2 children
28 mins ago
A. yes absolutely okay.no issues
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. Is it okay if my baby does not pass stool for one day?
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. no need to worry about the frequency and colour of the stool if the consistency of the stool is semi solid to solid.
also there is no need to worry about the smell of the stool if the consistency is normal.
you have to meet the doctor if it is watery inconsistency or hard consistency otherwise semi solid to solid stool is normal.
also passing stool after taking food is normal. r
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
2 hours ago
Q. Q.Asktheexperta# I m an expecting mother of 29 yrs. LMP 10 Feb 2024 . my husband's HPLC report shows thalassemia minor trait while mine is hb d Punjab trait . can we continue with this pregnancy ??
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. Well you should check with your gynaecologist for that she has to go through all the reports and the issues that you are facing you and your husband and accordingly she can tell you what is the situation how your child is going because lot of things depend upon how the child is growing
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
56 mins ago
Q. Hi doctor, I had scan on 33 weeks 2 day, it stated that AC and HC Is <2.3% which is corresponding to 31 weeks. So overall growth of baby avg is 31 week and 2 days.
will there be any issue with the baby.I have attached my report
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
54 mins ago
A. Doesn’t seem like it I think it’s going fine and pleasant -1 or two weeks is completely fine during the time of pregnancy further more whatever doubts you have you can take it up with your gynaecologist is they would be able to give you proper clarity and whatever doubt doubts you have explain it to you in a better
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
16 mins ago
Q. I am having pain on my right breast while breastfeeding. Latching position is correct. it is a mix of burning sensation and pain. Pain lasts for few minutes after breastfeeding also
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
14 mins ago
A. nipcare ointments ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Check out this new Memory
Priyanka
Mom of a 7 m old girl
1 min ago
Pravya's inaugural Durga Puja was a cozy affair at home, filled with familial love and reverence.
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Syeda amreen
Guardian of a 7 yr 11 m old girl
2 mins ago
#cutestbaby
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Shruti
Guardian of a 8 m old boy
4 mins ago
#thephoto
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Shruti
Guardian of a 8 m old boy
7 mins ago
#happybaby
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Divya
Mom of a 3 yr 3 m old girl
8 mins ago
#cutestbaby
0 Likes
0 Comment
Tell us more about yourself get More Personalised
- Infant0 to 6 Months
- Baby6 Months to 2 Yrs
- Toddler2 to 4 yrs
- Kids4-6 yrs
- Big Kids6+ yrs
- Expecting
- Trying to Conceive