Ultram is the brand name used for a type of synthetic pain medication called Tramadol. It's used to treat moderate to serious pain, and while it's not a narcotic, the effects are similar to morphine. It's not an NSAID (non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug), a category of pain relievers that has been known to contribute to ulcers and internal bleeding. For some people, Ultram can be a real life saver. Women with neuralgia and other painful conditions, who have been prescribed Ultram, may discover that they have problems if they get pregnant, however.
Ultram is a category C drug under FDA rules. This means that information on the drug isn't available in order to properly assess whether it has serious side effects in pregnant women. Since many pain killers can be bad for unborn children, this is a concern worth paying attention to. In limited animal tests, Ultram had severe side effects on the embyros of pregnant subjects. This means that it's important to avoid the use of Ultram during pregnancy if at all possible.
However, some chronic pain conditions that would otherwise be unbearable have lead to women taking Ultram during pregnancy. You should only do this if you and your doctor both concur that going without the drug could lead to results worse than the possible side effects. Some babies born to women who have taken Ultram during pregnancy have shown no effects. Others have suffered from symptoms of addiction to the drug, and spent their early days in the hospital because of withdrawal symptoms. Even some of the children who seemed unaffected at birth later displayed developmental delays, and learning problems. This means that avoiding Ultram during pregnancy is the best and safest route.
If you normally take Ultram to treat a painful condition, and have discovered you are, or are thinking about becoming pregnant, it's important to talk to your doctor at once. A specialist in pain management is also good to consult, since he or she may have alternative therapies available. While not as effective, they can be less damaging to your unborn child than taking Ultram during pregnancy. Pain management is an important part of your medical care. However, if you've chosen to give birth, taking care of your child's welfare is also quite important. Look for a solution that will allow you to have a healthy, normal birth, and avoid Ultram during pregnancy.
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