Hand Numbness During Pregnancy Or What You Need To Know About The Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Numbness of the hands, fingers and pain in the wrists and in general – in the hands. The condition is common among pregnant women due to the swelling that occurs when you are expecting a baby. The good news? You can usually find relief by making small lifestyle changes, such as taking breaks from working on your computer or any other activity that requires repetitive arm movements. What other ways are there to relieve the numbness in the hands and when will it stop? #MommyVeronika will tell you today!

What is a Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ?

In fact, the condition is officially called Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This is one of the most common causes of unpleasant pains and tingling. It happens when the median nerve—a major nerve in the hand that runs through the wrist and arm—is pinched or compressed.

Pregnant women, and especially those who make repetitive hand movements such as bending and extending their wrists while doing things like computer work, are more prone to experience the discomfort due to the swelling that occurs in the hands and wrists.

Excess fluid that collects in the tissues of the hands and wrists can press on the median nerve, causing numbness in the hands during pregnancy. The condition may come and go, but symptoms are often worse at night because many people sleep with their wrists bent.

Carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy can start at any time, but it is more likely to start or get worse in the second or third trimester. Carpal tunnel syndrome usually affects both hands.

How to relieve numb hands during pregnancy?

In addition to numbness, tingling, and pain, other symptoms include a burning sensation in the wrists and hands, and decreased grip strength or loss of finger dexterity. When this happens, you may find it difficult to push and pull, open jars, or pick up small objects with your fingers.

To ease the discomfort, try to determine which activities tend to cause or worsen carpal tunnel syndrome and limit them as much as you can. Doing yoga can improve arm strength and may relieve your symptoms.

You can also adjust your workstation:

– Change the height of your desk so your wrists don’t bend down while typing on your computer.
– Use an ergonomic keyboard or mouse.
– Take short breaks to move your arms and stretch your arms.
– Use a keyboard with a wrist rest.
– If symptoms bother you at night:

If you wake up with such pain, try gently moving or shaking your arms until the pain and numbness go away.

When do the symptoms go away?

Well, good news! Symptoms usually go away on their own after birth when the swelling goes down. However, symptoms may persist in some women, especially those who are breastfeeding. The median nerve can also be aggravated by carrying, feeding and changing the baby.

If symptoms continue after your baby is born, or if they are severe (meaning you have persistent numbness, muscle weakness or loss of feeling), be sure to mention it to your doctor at any postpartum visit so you can get a referral for a specialist.

Extra Tip from #MommyVeronika:

To reduce the risk of more frequent occurrence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptoms it is best to start doing hand strengthening exercises.

For warm-up:
– Rotate the wrist up, down, and from side to side. 
– Stretch the fingers far apart, relax them, and then stretch them again.
– Stretch the thumb by pulling it back gently, hold it, and then release it.
Repeat each 3-4 times.

Wrist flexor/extensor stretch exercises:
– Extend the arm in front of you with your palm up.
– Bend the wrist, pointing your hand towards the floor.
– With the other hand, gently bend the wrist farther until you feel a mild to moderate stretch in the forearm.
– Hold for at least 15 to 30 seconds.
– Repeat the aforementioned points, but start with the extended hand palm down.
– Hold for at least 15 to 30 seconds.
Repeat 2-3 times a day.

Remember! Do not do any stretch or movement that is uncomfortable or painful.