These factsheets have been written for members of the public by the UK Teratology Information Service (UKTIS). UKTIS is a not-for-profit organisation funded by Public Health England on behalf of UK Health Departments. UKTIS has been providing scientific information to health care providers since 1983 on the effects that medicines, recreational drugs and chemicals may have on the developing baby during pregnancy.  

Tramadol is a medicine that is prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. Tramadol affects the balance of certain ‘mood chemicals’ in the brain and is occasionally used as a recreational drug, often at doses higher than those used to treat pain. Tramadol should only be taken during pregnancy if recommended by your doctor.