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. 

Codeine (2014)

Codeine is usually prescribed for mild or moderate pain, and sometimes to suppress a persistent cough. When deciding whether or not to take codeine during pregnancy it is important to weigh up the benefits of its use against the known or possible risks, some of which will depend on how many weeks pregnant you are. This leaflet summarises the scientific studies relating to the effects of codeine on a baby in the womb. It is advisable to consider this information before taking codeine if you are pregnant. For some women, treatment with codeine in pregnancy may be necessary. Your doctor is the best person to help you decide what is right for you and your baby. 

Tramadol (2016)

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. There is not yet enough information to assess whether or not tramadol is safe to use in pregnancy. Some studies have identified the possibility of effects on the fetus. Further studies are needed to work out whether these problems were caused by tramadol or by other factors…