What it is
Your wrist hurts on the thumb side every time you lift the baby. That is often de Quervain's tenosynovitis, nicknamed mother's thumb. Two tendons that move the thumb run through a tight tunnel at the wrist. Lifting a baby with thumbs up under the armpits, over and over, irritates them. Pregnancy fluid and loose tissue add to it.
What's typical
Pain is sharp at the base of the thumb when gripping, twisting, or lifting. For many mothers it eases over weeks to a few months once the lifting pattern changes. Some need a steroid injection, which providers offer when a brace and rest are not enough.
What's known
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons describes rest, a thumb brace, ice, and changing how you lift as first-line care. Hand therapists see this weekly.
What helps
- Scoop the baby with forearms under the body, wrists straight, instead of grabbing under the arms with thumbs up.
- A thumb brace that holds the wrist still, especially at night and during feeds.
When to call someone
- Todayredness, heat, and swelling at the wrist with fever, or you cannot move the thumb.
- At your next visitpain past two to three weeks of changed habits, pain that wakes you, or numbness in the fingers. Ask about hand therapy or an injection.
Who helps
Tools: Birthworker Directory
Related
- Back, neck, and shoulder pain from feeding and carryingPostpartum: Your Body
- Numb or tingling hands (carpal tunnel)Pregnancy: Your Body
- Breastfeeding positionsFeeding Your Baby
- BabywearingBaby Basics
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Sources
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons — OrthoInfo: de Quervain's tenosynovitis
- American Society for Surgery of the Hand — Patient information on de Quervain's tenosynovitis
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