Carpal tunnel syndrome is common among pregnant women and this syndrome causes your hands to go numb a lot. The numbness often disappears shortly after having your baby. Consult with your doctor regarding your symptoms for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Identification
Carpal tunnel syndrome creates a numb, tingly sensation that's often described as pins and needles in your hands and all your fingers except the pinkie. You notice pain in your wrist that radiates into your hand and possibly up the palm side of your forearm and into your shoulder. Some days the pain is worse than others, but there frequently is a vague aching sensation in your hands and wrist. If carpal tunnel syndrome is severe, you have a weak grip and difficulty making a fist.
Cause
The hands are a common place for swelling to occur during pregnancy, which places pressure on the median nerve that travels from your forearm through a small inflexible tunnel in the wrist where it enters the hand. The median nerve is responsible for thumb movement and sensation in all of your fingers except the pinkie. As the carpal tunnel presses into the median nerve, the numb sensation occurs in your hands. Swelling becomes noticeable about the fifth month of pregnancy and worsens into your third trimester. Swelling of the hands worsens during pregnancy from outdoor heat, low potassium levels, high sodium intake, caffeine and long days of activity.
Treatment
If swelling is present on your hands and wrist, apply a cold compress and elevate your hands above heart level. Rest your hands when they begin hurting or you feel the numb sensation. Decrease the amount of caffeinated beverages you consume and increase the amount of water you're drinking to reduce swelling. Wear a brace at night to restrict wrist movement. Once you've delivered your baby, the swelling will significant decrease and release pressure on the median nerve. If carpal tunnel syndrome continues, ibuprofen provides pain relief. Corticosteroid injections into the wrist offer long-term pain relief. Surgery usually is needed if the pain and numbness do not improve after these conventional treatment options.
Prevention
Your body produces about 50 percent more body fluids during pregnancy, so it's impossible to stop all swelling. You can reduce the amount of swelling you have and lessen your risk of carpal tunnel syndrome by avoiding outdoor activities on hot days and staying in an air-conditioned area. If your job involves typing, avoid bending your wrists downward by keeping your elbows and wrists level with each other. Do not sleep on your hands, which places additional pressure on the median nerve. To avoid sleeping on your hands, prop up your arms with pillows.
