Carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs (happens) when a nerve in your wrist gets squeezed.
This nerve is called the median nerve.
It runs through a small space in your wrist called the carpal tunnel, near the base of your hand and thumb.
During pregnancy, the body holds extra fluid. This can cause swelling in the hands and feet. The swelling can press on the nerve and tendons in the wrist.
Symptoms can include:
- Tingling or �pins and needles�
- Numb or strange feeling in the hand
- Pain in the hand or wrist
- Weak grip or less strength
- These symptoms are often worse at night or in the morning.
Symptoms can happen at any time, but they most often start in the third trimester of pregnancy.
After birth, they usually slowly get better. This happens as the swelling from pregnancy goes down.
For some women, symptoms last longer.
They may continue while breastfeeding. In some cases, they can last for 6�12 months after giving birth.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

If your wrist or fingers start to swell, it can help to take off any rings.
Symptoms are often worse at night or early in the morning.
If they wake you up, try changing how you sleep.
You can also rest your arm on a pillow to keep it raised.
If you wake up with numb or sore hands, try gently moving your hands. This can help the feeling go away.

Try an ice pack, wrapped in a towel on your wrist.
If you have numbness or can�t feel the ice on your skin, please talk to your health professional.
Contrast bathing: Put your hand in cold water for 1 minute. Then put it in warm water for 1 minute. Keep switching like this for up to 10 minutes. This may help reduce swelling.
Self-massage: Some women find it helps to gently rub the arm to reduce swelling. Start at the wrist and move upwards towards the armpit.

The way you hold your wrist can affect your symptoms.
Try not to bend your wrist too much forward or backward. This can stop the nerve from getting squeezed more.

When using a computer, adjust your chair so your wrists stay straight (not bent) while typing.
Try to do fewer jobs that use strong, repeated hand movements, as these can make your symptoms worse.
Take regular breaks to rest your hands and arms.

Wearing a hand splint at night can help keep your wrist straight and reduce pain.
If your symptoms are very bad, you may also wear the splint during the day.
You can buy splints from pharmacies or online or ask a Physiotherapist for one.

Hand Splint

Carpal Tunnel Exercise Start Here Graphic

Your symptoms will usually get better about six weeks after your baby is born, as your body returns to normal.
In the first few weeks after birth, try to protect your wrists and hands while they get stronger.
Keep wearing your splints at night and during baby care if needed.
When holding your baby during the day, you can take out the metal part of the splint for comfort.
Ask for help with bathing your baby and changing nappies when you can.
Try not to lift with your thumb stretched out, as this can strain your thumb and wrist.
Using a pillow to support your baby while breastfeeding can help reduce pain.
If your symptoms last longer than 6 weeks after birth, speak to your GP for more advice.
Some people may need a steroid injection to help with the pain.