Although pregnancy and childbirth are exciting and emotionally satisfying, they also bring a host of inconveniences and discomforts in their wake. Some of these are well known to most expectant mothers, such as chronic heartburn and a frequent need to urinate. However, other physical complaints, such as wrist and thumb pain, are less foreseeable.
Baby Wrist
Many new mothers, and even some new grandmothers, are surprised to find themselves suffering from a sharp pain at the point where the base of their thumb meets the wrist. The pain shows itself while you're handling the new baby, or engaging in other activities that require using your hands. This can occur in new mothers at any age, leading to its colloquial names of "baby wrist" or "mommy thumb." It's caused by an inflammation in the thumb tendons, first described in clinical literature by Swiss surgeon Fritz de Quervain.
DeQuervain's Tenosynovitis
The inflammation, known as de Quervain's tenosynovitis or de Quervain's tendonitis, is similar to other repetitive stress injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. It's caused by the unaccustomed hand positions used in caring for a newborn and the frequent repetition as you change diapers, dress and bathe your infant and take care of the many other baby-related duties that fill your day. These repetitive activities can cause inflammation in the tendons running from your thumb to your wrist, which in turn inflames the sheath the tendons run through. This applies pressure to the surrounding nerves, causing pain.
Diagnosis
Before you call your doctor, there are two tests you can try for yourself. One, called the Finkelstein maneuver, requires you to make a fist with your thumb tucked tightly in the middle. Bend your fist horizontally in the direction of your little finger, stretching the thumb tendons. If you feel pain, you're likely to have de Qeurvain's. A second test is to hold your hand flat and bend your thumb back as far as you can, toward your wrist. You'll see a small pocket at the base of your thumb. If that is painful when pressed, you probably have de Quervain's.
Coping
Ultimately, like any other repetitive stress injury, the only real cure is to avoid the motions that aggravate it. This isn't an option for most new mothers, so you'll need to look into other coping measures. Ask your doctor about being fitted for a wrist brace, to provide some support and minimize strain on the tendons. Ibuprofen and naproxen can help keep the inflammation down, but might be passed through your milk if you're nursing your baby. Applying ice to the affected area several times each day can help. In severe cases, your doctor might inject cortisone or recommend surgical relief.
