What it is
Tingling fingers, hands that fall asleep at night, an ache in the thumb and first two fingers: this is pregnancy carpal tunnel. A nerve runs through a narrow tunnel at the wrist. Pregnancy swelling squeezes it. Between 3 and 6 in 10 pregnant women get it, most mildly. After birth, holding a baby with bent wrists can keep it going.
What's typical
It usually shows up in the third trimester, often first at night. The thumb, index, and middle finger go numb or tingle. Shaking the hand wakes it up. It is often in both hands. Most cases ease within weeks after birth as swelling leaves. A few last months.
What's known
ACOG and hand surgery groups describe pregnancy carpal tunnel as common and usually temporary. Night splints that hold the wrist straight are the first thing most providers suggest. Steroid injection is an option for severe cases; ask your provider.
What helps
- A wrist splint at night, the kind sold at any drugstore, keeps the wrist straight while you sleep.
- Shake out your hands when they tingle, and hang the arm off the bed.
- Keep wrists straight when typing and holding the baby. Prop the baby on a pillow instead.
When to call someone
- Nowsudden weakness or numbness on one side of your body or face, or trouble speaking. That is a stroke sign, not carpal tunnel.
- Todaytingling with sudden swelling of the face or hands, headache, or vision changes.
- At your next visitconstant numbness, a thumb that is getting weaker, or pain that wakes you most nights.
Who helps
Tools: Birthworker Directory
Related
- Swelling: feet, ankles, hands, facePregnancy: Your Body
- Wrist and thumb pain from holding the babyPostpartum: Your Body
- High blood pressure and preeclampsiaPregnancy: Your Body
- Can't sleep: pregnancy insomniaPregnancy: Your Body
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Sources
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — Patient FAQ on back pain and other discomforts of pregnancy
- American Society for Surgery of the Hand — Carpal tunnel syndrome and pregnancy patient information
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