Articles

Key takeaways

• Carpal tunnel syndrome causes numbness, tingling, and pain in hands.
• It happens in pregnancy due to increased fluid retention and swelling.
• Wearing wrist splints and gentle exercises can help manage symptoms.
• Symptoms usually improve on their own after your baby is born.

What is carpal tunnel syndrome and why does it happen in pregnancy?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes pain or tingling in your fingers. It happens when there is pressure on a nerve in your wrist.

You might feel aching or numbness in your fingers, hand, or arm. You may also have pins and needles or tingling sensations. Some people experience a weak thumb or grip.

Symptoms often come on slowly. They can also feel worse at night.

It’s common to develop carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy. Your body holds more water during pregnancy. This extra water can cause swelling in your hands and wrists, which then puts pressure on the nerve in your wrist.

How to manage carpal tunnel symptoms at home

Carpal tunnel syndrome usually gets better on its own. Symptoms often improve within a few months after your baby is born. However, there are things you can do to help manage the discomfort.

At-home strategies

Try to reduce activities that make the pain worse. This could include typing or other repetitive hand movements. Give your hands a shake to help relieve pain, especially at night.

You can also try some simple hand exercises. Your midwife may recommend these.

Using a wrist splint

Wearing a wrist splint can help by keeping your wrist straight, which reduces pressure on the nerve. It can be especially helpful to wear a splint at night. You can ask your local pharmacist about getting a wrist splint.

Pain relief

If you are struggling with pain, you can ask your midwife about taking paracetamol. Ibuprofen is not recommended during pregnancy.

When to seek medical advice for carpal tunnel

Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms often go away a few months after birth. This is especially true if it developed because of your pregnancy.

Speak to your midwife or doctor if the pain is very severe. You should also talk to them if you are struggling to cope with the pain. If nothing helps your symptoms, a doctor might suggest a steroid injection to help reduce the swelling in your wrist.