Tingling, numbness, and pain in the
hands are common during pregnancy, especially in the last trimester. These
problems are usually caused by carpal tunnel syndrome, and they usually go away
after pregnancy.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
is a specific group of symptoms that can include tingling, numbness, weakness,
or pain in the fingers, thumb, hand, and occasionally in the arm. These
symptoms occur when there is pressure on the median nerve within the wrist.
The carpal tunnel is a small space or "tunnel" in the wrist
formed by the wrist bones (carpal bones) and a ligament (transverse carpal
ligament). The median nerve and several tendons pass through the carpal tunnel
from the forearm to the hand. The median nerve controls some movements of the
thumb, and this nerve supplies feeling to most of the thumb and to the index
finger, middle finger, and part of the ring finger.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when a
combination of health conditions and activities puts pressure on the median nerve
as it passes through the carpal tunnel in your wrist. Anything that decreases
the amount of space in the carpal tunnel increases the amount of tissue in the
tunnel, or increases the sensitivity of the median nerve can lead to carpal
tunnel syndrome.
The swelling that is common in
pregnancy can crowd structures in the tunnel and lead to carpal tunnel
syndrome, especially when combined with forceful or repetitive hand and finger
movement or the use of vibrating equipment.
If your symptoms are not severe,
expect your health professional to recommend nonsurgical treatment to see
whether symptoms improve. Nonsurgical treatment includes:
- Changing or avoiding activities that may be causing symptoms, and taking frequent breaks from repetitive tasks.
- Wearing a wrist splint to keep your wrist straight, usually just at night. Doing exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles in the hand and arm.
- Learning ways to protect your joints as you go through your daily activities.
Unless carpal tunnel symptoms become
intolerable, a pregnant woman should delay surgery until after childbirth.
After delivery, symptoms often disappear without treatment when
pregnancy-related fluid buildup is relieved.
