Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition during pregnancy, affecting up to 60% of women. It happens when pressure builds up around the median nerve in your wrist, leading to symptoms like numbness, tingling, or pain in your hands and fingers.
This article explains why carpal tunnel syndrome can develop during pregnancy, how to recognise the signs, and what safe, effective treatment options may help relieve the discomfort.
Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Pregnancy
Several physical changes during pregnancy can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome:
Fluid retention and swelling: Pregnancy hormones cause your body to retain more fluid, leading to swelling in your wrists and hands that compresses the median nerve.
Hormonal changes: Increased levels of relaxin and other pregnancy hormones soften ligaments and tissues, which can compress the narrow carpal tunnel space in your wrist.
Weight gain: The natural weight gain during pregnancy can contribute to increased pressure on nerves throughout your body, including those in your wrists.
Changes in posture: As your pregnancy progresses, changes in posture and how you use your hands and arms can put additional strain on your wrists.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel in Pregnancy
Recognising symptoms early can help you manage the condition and avoid complications:
Numbness and tingling: Pins and needles in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers, often worse at night or in the morning.
Hand weakness: Difficulty gripping or holding objects; trouble with tasks like buttoning clothes or opening jars.
Pain or burning: Aching or burning pain that may spread from the wrist to the arm, especially at night.
Stiffness: Morning stiffness in the fingers that improves with movement.
Managing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome During Pregnancy
Carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy is usually treated without surgery. A hand specialist can help reduce pressure on the nerve and relieve symptoms using the following methods:
- Wrist splinting: Wearing a wrist splint, especially at night, keeps your wrist in a neutral position to reduce pressure on the nerve.
- Nerve gliding exercises: These specific movements help the median nerve move more freely through the carpal tunnel and can be taught during your consultation.
- Ergonomic adjustments: Your specialist may advise changes to how you use your hands at work or during daily tasks to reduce strain on your wrists.
- Cold compresses: Applying ice to the wrist in short intervals can help manage swelling and discomfort.
In certain cases, a hand specialist may offer a corticosteroid injection to reduce inflammation. This is considered safe during pregnancy when medically indicated and can offer significant short-term relief.
What to Avoid with Carpal Tunnel During Pregnancy
Some habits and activities can worsen carpal tunnel symptoms. Avoid the following to support a smoother recovery:
- Repetitive wrist use: Limit activities like typing or knitting that involve repeated wrist motion.
- Sleeping on your hands: Try not to rest your hands under your body or pillow while sleeping, as this can increase numbness.
- Wearing tight jewellery: Remove rings or bracelets if your hands are swollen to avoid added pressure on the wrist.
- Delaying medical advice: Persistent pain or weakness should not be ignored. A hand specialist can assess if further treatment is needed.
Conclusion
Carpal tunnel syndrome is common in pregnancy and often improves after childbirth. Many women find relief with wrist splints, exercises, and lifestyle changes.
However, if symptoms persist or interfere with daily tasks, a hand specialist can evaluate your condition and offer safe treatment options.
