Pregnancy can bring on a variety of strange and uncomfortable sensations, and numbness is a common one. Although pregnant women most commonly experience numbness in their hands, it's possible to develop numbness in other parts of your body as well. Numbness can interfere with your ability to work, care for yourself and sleep restfully, so it's essential to treat your symptoms as soon as they begin.
Causes
Pregnant women may develop carpal tunnel syndrome, which causes numbness and pain in the hands and wrists. As you being to retain water, the extra pressure in your body compresses nerves in your arms that cause this numbness. Generally, carpal tunnel syndrome will begin to develop around the middle of your pregnancy. Poor diet and a lack of exercise can also deplete your supply of electrolytes, causing muscle weakness that will cause numbness. Women with gestational diabetes may also experience numbness.
Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
To help the numbness caused by carpal tunnel syndrome, shake and stretch your hands frequently. Take frequent breaks from typing or doing other manual activities such as playing the piano. When you're working at a computer, adjust the height of your chair so your wrists are straight while you type. Prop your arms up on pillows at night and don't sleep on your hands. Wearing wrist braces during the night and applying ice packs to your hands and wrists can also help ease your discomfort.
Treating Muscle Weakness
To prevent numbness caused by a poor diet, eat a balanced diet full of lean protein, complex carbohydrates and fresh produce. Eat foods that are high in potassium such as bananas, since these will help build your electrolyte levels. Drink low-calorie sports drinks that include electrolytes, especially when sweating, since you'll sweat out even more electrolytes. Spend at least 15 minutes a day doing light exercise such as walking or swimming. Prenatal yoga classes or light stretching can also help strengthen your muscles and reduce your numbness.
Potential Dangers
For the most part, numbness during pregnancy is irritating but ultimately harmless. In most cases, numbness brought on by pregnancy will go away within days or weeks of delivering. However, see your doctor right away if you experience pain along with the numbness, if your numb feelings are disrupting your ability to function or if you continue to experience numbness after you've delivered your baby. If you do have diabetes, talk to your doctor about managing your condition.
References
- Family Education: New Challenges During Pregnancy That Can Interfere with Being Active
- Baby Center; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome During Pregnancy; June, 2006
- Baby Zone; Numbness During Pregnancy (Paresthesias); Dr. Gerard M. DiLeo
- What to Expect: Hand Pain During Pregnancy (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome)
- Baby Zone; Electrolyte Imbalance during Pregnancy; Dr. Gerard M. DiLeo
