Carpal tunnel relief while pregnant
Carpal Tunnel and Pregnancy: What’s the Connection?
Carpal Tunnel and Pregnancy: What’s the Connection?Medically reviewed by Holly Ernst, PA-C — By Donna Christiano on June 4, 2018
Carpal tunnel syndrome and pregnancy
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is commonly seen in pregnancy. CTS occurs in 4 percent of the general population, but occurs in 31 to 62 percent of pregnant women, estimates a 2015 study.
Experts aren’t exactly sure what makes CTS so common during pregnancy, but they do think hormone-related swelling may be the culprit. Just as fluid retention in pregnancy can cause your ankles and fingers to swell, it can also cause swelling that leads to CTS.
Read on to learn more about CTS in pregnancy.
What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy?
Common symptoms of CTS in pregnancy include:
- numbness and tingling (almost like a pins-and-needles feeling) in fingers, wrists, and hands, which may worsen at night
- throbbing sensation in hands, wrists, and fingers
- swollen fingers
- trouble gripping objects and problems performing fine motor skills, such as buttoning a shirt or working the clasp on a necklace
One or both hands may be affected. A 2012 study found that almost 50 percent of pregnant participants with CTS had it in both hands.
Symptoms may worsen as the pregnancy progresses. One study found 40 percent of participants reported the onset of CTS symptoms after 30 weeks of pregnancy. This is when the most weight gain and fluid retention occurs.
What cause carpal tunnel syndrome?
CTS occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. The median nerve runs from the neck, down the arm, and to the wrist. This nerve controls feeling in the fingers.
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway made up of tiny “carpal” bones and ligaments. When the tunnel is narrowed by swelling, the nerve is compressed. This leads to pain in the hand and numbness or burning in the fingers.
Median nerve diagram
[BODY MAP IMBED: /human-body-maps/median-nerve]
Are some pregnant women at an increased risk?
Some pregnant women are more prone to develop CTS than others.
Here are some risk factors of CTS:
Being overweight or obese before becoming pregnant
It’s unclear if weight causes CTS, but pregnant women who are overweight or obese receive diagnoses with the condition more frequently than pregnant women who aren’t overweight or obese.
Having pregnancy-related diabetes or hypertension
Gestational diabetes and gestational hypertensioncan both lead to fluid retention and subsequent swelling. This, in turn, can increase the risk of CTS.
High blood sugar levels can also cause inflammation, including of the carpal tunnel. This may further increase the risk of CTS.
Past pregnancies
Relaxin may be seen in higher amounts in subsequent pregnancies. This hormone helps the pelvis and cervix expand during pregnancy in preparation for childbirth. It can also cause inflammation in the carpal tunnel, squeezing the median nerve.
How is CTS diagnosed in pregnancy?
CTS is most often diagnosed based on your description of symptoms to your doctor.
Your doctor may also conduct a physical exam.
During the physical exam, your doctor may use electrodiagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis, if needed. Electrodiagnostic tests use thin needles or electrodes (wires taped to the skin) to record and analyze signals your nerves send and receive. Damage to the median nerve can slow down or block these electrical signals.
Your doctor may also use Tinel’s sign to identify nerve damage. This test can be done as part of a physical exam, too. During the test, your doctor will lightly tap over the area with the affected nerve. If you feel a tingling sensation, this can indicate nerve damage.
Tinel’s sign and electrodiagnostic tests are safe for use during pregnancy.
How to treat carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy
Most doctors recommend treating CTS conservatively in pregnancy. This is because many people will experience relief in the weeks and months after giving birth. In one study, only 1 out of 6 participants who had CTS during pregnancy still had symptoms 12 months after delivery.
You’re more likely to continue to experience CTS after delivery if your CTS symptoms began earlier in your pregnancy or if your symptoms are severe.
The following treatments may be safely used during pregnancy:
- Use a splint. Look for a brace that keeps your wrist in a neutral (not bent) position. When symptoms tend to be worse, wearing a brace at night may be particularly beneficial. If it’s practical, you can wear it during the day as well.
- Reduce activities that cause your wrist to bend. This includes typing on a keyboard.
- Use cold therapy. Apply ice wrapped in a towel to your wrist for about 10 minutes, several times a day, to help decrease swelling. You might also try what’s called a “contrast bath”: Soak your wrist in cold water for about one minute, then in warm water for another minute. Keep alternating for five to six minutes. Repeat as often as practical.
- Rest. Whenever you feel pain or fatigue in your wrist, rest it for a bit, or switch to a different activity.
- Elevate your wrists whenever you can. You can use pillows to do so.
- Practice yoga. Results from one study found that practicing yoga can reduce pain and increase grip strength in people with CTS. More research is needed, though, especially to understand the benefits for pregnancy-related CTS.
- Get physical therapy. Myofascial release therapy may reduce CTS-related pain and increase hand function. This is a type of massage to reduce tightness and shortness in ligaments and muscles.
- Take pain relievers. Using acetaminophen (Tylenol) at any point in pregnancy is generally considered safe, as long as you don’t exceed 3,000 mg daily. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns. Avoid ibuprofen (Advil) during pregnancy unless it’s specifically approved to use by your doctor. Ibuprofen has been linked to low amniotic fluid and a number of other conditions.
Carpal tunnel syndrome and breastfeeding
Breastfeeding may be painful with CTS because you’ll need to use your wrist to hold your baby’s head and your breast in the proper position for nursing.
Try experimenting with different positions. Use pillows and blankets to prop, support, or brace when needed.
You may find that breastfeeding while lying on your side with the baby facing you works well. The “football hold” may also be easier on the wrist. With this position, you sit upright and place your baby on the side of your arm with your baby’s head close to your torso.
You may prefer hands-free nursing, where your baby feeds while in a sling worn close to your body.
If you’re having trouble breastfeeding or finding a position that’s comfortable for you and your baby, consider talking to a lactation consultant. They can help you learn comfortable positions and can help identify any problems that you or your baby are having with nursing.
What’s the outlook?
CTS is common during pregnancy. Simple measures like splinting and taking acetaminophen are standard therapies and usually bring relief.
Most people will see their symptoms resolve within 12 months after delivery.
However, it can take years in some cases. Talk to your doctor about ways to safely manage your symptoms.
Last medically reviewed on June 4, 2018
- Parenthood
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy Health
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
- Carlson H, et al. (2010). Current options for nonsurgical management of carpal tunnel syndrome. DOI:
10.2217/IJR.09.63 - Carpal Tunnel Fact Sheet [Fact Sheet]. (2017).
ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Carpal-Tunnel-Syndrome-Fact-Sheet - Carpal tunnel syndrome. (2016).
orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/ - Carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy [Fact sheet].
(2015).
uhs.nhs.uk/Media/Controlleddocuments/Patientinformation/Pregnancyandbirth/Carpal-tunnel-syndrome-during-pregnancy-patient-information.PDF - Daluiski A, et al. (2009). Carpal tunnel syndrome: Myths, facts, diagnosis, and treatment.
hss.edu/conditions_carpal-tunnel-syndrome-myths-facts-diagnosis-treatment.asp - Hamoda R. (2014). Effect of myofascial release on carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy.
scholar.cu.edu.eg/?q=reham_hamoda/publications/effect-myofascial-release-carpal-tunnel-syndrome-during-pregnancy - Hashempur MH, et al. (2015). Carpal tunnel syndrome in lactation: A challenging issue. DOI:
10.17795/whb-31414 - Khosrawi S, et al. (2012). The prevalence and severity of carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy. DOI:
10.4103/2277-9175.100143 - Meems M, et al. (2015). Prevalence, course and determinants of carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms during pregnancy: A prospective study.
DOI:
10.1111/1471-0528.13360 - Meems M, et al. (2017). Follow-up of pregnancy-related carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms at 12 months postpartum: A prospective study. DOI:
10.1016/j.ejogrb.2017.02.030 - Viera AJ. (2003). Management of carpal tunnel syndrome.
aafp.org/afp/2003/0715/p265.html - Wright C, et al. (2014). Who develops carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy: An analysis of obesity, gestational weight gain, and parity. DOI:
10.1177/1753495X14523407
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Current Version
Jun 4, 2018
Written By
Donna Christiano
Medically Reviewed By
Holly Ernst, PA-C
Share this article
Medically reviewed by Holly Ernst, PA-C — By Donna Christiano on June 4, 2018
related stories
9 Home Remedies for Carpal Tunnel Relief
Carpal Tunnel vs.
Arthritis: What’s the Difference?What Causes Eye Twitching During Pregnancy, and What Can You Do?
What Does Round Ligament Pain Feel Like: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment
Your Guide to a Pregnancy-Safe Skin Care Routine
Read this next
9 Home Remedies for Carpal Tunnel Relief
Medically reviewed by William Morrison, M.D.
Having carpal tunnel syndrome doesn't have to be a pain. Check out these tips for relieving your carpal tunnel symptoms.
READ MORE
Carpal Tunnel vs. Arthritis: What’s the Difference?
Medically reviewed by Brenda B. Spriggs, M.D., MPH, FACP
Carpal tunnel is a different condition than arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, but you could have both at the same time.
READ MORE
What Causes Eye Twitching During Pregnancy, and What Can You Do?
Medically reviewed by Carolyn Kay, M.
D.Eye twitching in pregnancy isn’t usually a serious problem, and its causes — like stress and tiredness — can be especially common when you're…
READ MORE
What Does Round Ligament Pain Feel Like: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment
Medically reviewed by Katie Mena, MD
Many pregnant women experience round ligament pain during the second trimester. Here’s a look at the symptoms and what to expect.
READ MORE
Your Guide to a Pregnancy-Safe Skin Care Routine
When you're expecting, pregnancy-safe skin care can help ensure the health of you and your baby. We'll tell you what to avoid — and some good…
READ MORE
Can Ectopic Pregnancy Be Diagnosed With Ultrasound?
Medically reviewed by Valinda Riggins Nwadike, MD, MPH
Ectopic pregnancy is a serious condition that requires accurate and swift diagnosis.
Ultrasound for ectopic pregnancy diagnosis is just one tool your…READ MORE
Is It Safe to Consume Flaxseeds During Pregnancy?
Given the inconclusive and conflicting stances about eating flaxseeds during pregnancy, it might be better to err on the side of caution.
READ MORE
Pregnancy After Miscarriage: Answers to Your Questions
Medically reviewed by Amanda Kallen, MD
Getting pregnant after a miscarriage can be an emotional experience, filled with joy but also anxiety and guilt. Learn more about pregnancy after…
READ MORE
What Is a Nurse Midwife and How to Tell If They Are Right for You
Medically reviewed by Meredith Wallis, MS, APRN, CNM, IBCLC
A nurse midwife is a nurse with education, training, and certification to provide prenatal, delivery, and women's care.
READ MORE
Your 6-Week Ultrasound: What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Valinda Riggins Nwadike, MD, MPH
We'll tell you all about the 6-week ultrasound, including why your doctor may have ordered it, what the risks are, and what it means if no heartbeat…
READ MORE
Carpal tunnel syndrome and pregnancy go hand in hand | Your Pregnancy Matters
×
What can we help you find?Refine your search: Find a Doctor Search Conditions & Treatments Find a Location
Appointment New Patient Appointment
or Call214-645-8300
MedBlog
Your Pregnancy Matters
October 20, 2020
Your Pregnancy Matters
Robyn Horsager-Boehrer, M.
D. Obstetrics and Gynecology
Swelling – everywhere – is one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy. Patients often notice extra puffiness in their face, legs, and feet. But for some women, swelling manifests inside the wrist, resulting in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).
Approximately 4% of adults in the general population have carpal tunnel syndrome, but 31% to 62% of pregnant patients have it. Many patients notice symptoms after 30 weeks' gestation.
During pregnancy, your blood volume doubles. That extra fluid increases pressure and swelling in the blood vessels throughout your body. In tight spaces such as the carpal tunnel area of the wrist – through which nine tendons and one nerve pass – the swelling can compress the median nerve, which runs to the hand.
The median nerve gives sensation to the palm-side surface of thumb, index, and middle fingers, and half the ring finger. It's also responsible for helping to move the muscles in the hand that bend your fingers.
Nerve compression can cause pain, tingling, and numbness in the wrist and hand, which may increase when you're trying to sleep. Pregnancy may be the first time CTS symptoms arise or the last straw that causes a woman to see her doctor for ongoing symptoms.
The good news is that pregnancy-safe treatment is available, and symptoms typically subside for many patients after the baby arrives.
I've invited my colleague, Rupali Kumar, M.D., from UT Southwestern's Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) team to discuss CTS symptoms and treatment options.
Carpal tunnel symptoms in pregnancy
Dr. Rupali KumarWhen the median nerve is compressed during pregnancy, symptoms present as they would in any patient:
● Numbness and tingling
● Burning sensation
● Pain in the wrist or hand
At the onset of CTS, symptoms may come and go.
But when numbness or weakness occurs frequently or constantly, that's a potential sign of nerve damage.
In severe cases, patients may have weakened grip strength or decreased finger dexterity. For example, you might have trouble picking up small objects with your fingers, opening jars, or buttoning clothes.
Related reading: 5 weird pregnancy symptoms you might not know about
Diagnosing carpal tunnel in pregnancy
We often can diagnose CTS by talking with you about your symptoms and medical history. If your symptoms are severe, we may recommend an electrodiagnostic study (EMG) to confirm the diagnosis and measure nerve function in the arm, wrist, and hand. An EMG can tell us whether you have nerve damage, how severe it is, and whether it might be reversible with intervention.
The doctor will attach small electrode stickers to your hand and arm in different places and apply low levels of electrical stimulation to gauge the nerve activity. The doctor may also insert a fine acupuncture-like needle in certain areas of the arm and hand to test muscle electrical activity.
The study can be a little uncomfortable, but should not cause lasting pain.
Pregnancy-safe treatment options
With CTS, it's best to start with the most conservative therapies. That's especially true in pregnancy. Here is a list of carpal tunnel treatment options that are safe for pregnancy, from least to most invasive.
Splinting
The first-line treatment is to immobilize the wrist in a neutral position to limit the range of flexion or extension. We use a neutral wrist splint with a metal bar inside that prevents the wrist from moving up, down, or side-to-side but allows the fingers to move.
Splinting gives the median nerve a break and can help alleviate swelling, which can allow mild to moderate nerve damage to heal. However, it's tough to wear a splint all day and do everyday activities. Your doctor may recommend wearing it while sleeping and as much as you can during the day.
Occupational therapy
Hand and wrist therapy can sometimes help relieve symptoms and prevent further nerve damage.
A PM&R doctor or occupational therapist can create a personalized plan for you.
Therapy may include wrist and finger range of motion and strengthening movements, massage, and nerve gliding techniques. We may also recommend desensitization to decrease nerve pain, including alternating hot and cold water baths.
Medication
Topical numbing agents can relieve symptoms, but these ointments won't get to the root of the problem. Some patients may benefit from pain relief injections, which include a combination of steroids and a local anesthetic injected around the median nerve under ultrasound guidance.
However, if there are other therapies to try, we typically avoid prescribing steroids during pregnancy to avoid side effects.
Check with your Ob/Gyn before using any over-the-counter or prescribed topical medications. Our PM&R doctors will consult with your Ob/Gyn prior to recommending medication during pregnancy.
Surgery, in severe cases
Carpal tunnel release surgery is reserved for severe cases.
In this procedure, a surgeon will cut the ligament that presses on the carpal tunnel, making more room for the median nerve and tendons. This usually improves function and pain.
Generally, we recommend waiting until after pregnancy to have surgeries that are not urgent. If wrist pain or hand weakness severely limits your daily function, talk with your Ob/Gyn about the risks and benefits of having carpal tunnel surgery prior to delivery.
When will symptoms improve?
After delivery, your fluid levels and the extra pressure in your blood vessels will decrease. As such, your symptoms will likely improve or resolve.
That being said, new mothers use their hands and wrists nearly constantly. Lifting, changing, and feeding the new baby may lead to worsened or new hand and wrist symptoms.
Let your Ob/Gyn know as soon as symptoms begin. If we catch carpal tunnel early enough, we can start conservative treatments to reduce the risk of nerve damage or lingering symptoms.
After pregnancy, keep an eye on your wrist health. You'll be lifting your baby a lot and making repetitive motions, which can lead to tendinopathies related to overuse.
Even if your new aches and pains don't seem overtly pregnancy-related, let your Ob/Gyn know. Pregnancy does strange things to the body, and your provider can help you find relief from painful or annoying symptoms.
To visit with an Ob/Gyn, call 214-645-8300 or request an appointment online.
More in: Your Pregnancy Matters
Your Pregnancy Matters
- Robyn Horsager-Boehrer, M.
D.
December 20, 2022
Your Pregnancy Matters
- Robyn Horsager-Boehrer, M.D.
December 13, 2022
Pediatrics; Your Pregnancy Matters
- Jessica Morse, M.
D.
December 6, 2022
Your Pregnancy Matters
- Shivani Patel, M.D.
November 22, 2022
Your Pregnancy Matters
- Robyn Horsager-Boehrer, M.D.
November 15, 2022
Your Pregnancy Matters
- Robyn Horsager-Boehrer, M.
D.
November 7, 2022
Mental Health; Your Pregnancy Matters
- Robyn Horsager-Boehrer, M.D.
October 11, 2022
Prevention; Your Pregnancy Matters
- Robyn Horsager-Boehrer, M.
D.
October 4, 2022
Mental Health; Your Pregnancy Matters
- Meitra Doty, M.D.
September 27, 2022
More Articles
Carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnant women
02/26/2020
At the end of the second trimester of pregnancy many women suffer from hand numbness. Around the 26th week there is tingling, numbness and pain in the fingers, sometimes extending to the shoulder.
This is carpal tunnel syndrome, which in pregnant women is associated with hormonal changes and water retention in the body.
As a result of stagnant fluid, compression of the nerves in the wrist reaches the fingers. The symptoms are worse especially at night. The pain can be so severe that it can wake the woman up or prevent her from getting a good night's sleep. Although carpal tunnel syndrome is a problem and usually resolves spontaneously 2-3 weeks after deliveries .
How to deal with hand numbness in pregnant women?
A woman with carpal tunnel syndrome should avoid positions that cause pressure on her arm. Sometimes symptoms come from shaking the numb limb or placing it below the heart line (eg on the knee) or loosely lowering the arm (also during sleep).
People who have symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome should stop tasks that require repeating the same finger and hand movements. They include working on a computer (writing, graphic design), working on a production line, as well as embroidery, crocheting, or even peeling fruits and vegetables.
If it is not possible to completely eliminate these responsibilities, you should schedule frequent breaks. When working on a computer, you can take care of special pillows and ergonomic keyboards that will facilitate the correct positioning of the hand. The position of our body is also important for proper circulation. Avoid Crossbreeding feet and cross-legged position for prolonged sitting. It is better to rest with your legs up .
Proper Diet
Diet , rich in magnesium and vitamin B6, is useful in preventing and relieving symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. It is worth taking care of a variety of dishes based on poultry, fish, potatoes and milk. Other sources of vitamin B6 include nuts, beans, soybeans, avocados, sunflower seeds, eggs, and bananas. Magnesium deficiency can be supplemented by such foods: parsley, pumpkin seeds, dill, dark chocolate, buckwheat or cocoa. nine0003
A woman should also reduce her intake of salt, coffee and tea (not to mention smoking and alcohol!).
They flush out minerals from the body, making it difficult to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome .
When should I consult a doctor?
Although hand numbness is a common disorder in pregnant women, sometimes home remedies to reduce symptoms do not help. When the pain gets worse, there are problems with normal functioning or holding objects in the hands, it is worth contacting to doctor . It may be that this will require an increase in vitamin intake or taking painkillers (pregnant women are better off avoiding self-diagnosis and treatment in this regard).
Sometimes it may be necessary to immobilize the wrist with special devices or visit a specialist, namely orthopedist , neurologist or physiotherapist .
Published in Pregnancy and Pregnancy Management Premium Clinic
Carpal tunnel syndrome: how to deal with numbness in the hands during pregnancy
IN THIS ARTICLE:
Women in pregnancy usually complain only of swelling in their legs, but in the second and third trimester, even their hands often swell.
One of the consequences of such edema is carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy, which manifests itself through pain in the wrist and numbness of the hand.
About what provokes carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy and what to do if the wrists go numb and hurt, we tell in the article.
Can carpal tunnel syndrome cause pain and numbness in the hands and fingers of pregnant women? nine0065
Yes. Numbness, tingling, aching or dull pain in the fingers, hand, or wrist are signs of carpal tunnel syndrome. This condition is common during pregnancy. It is also common among people who make repetitive hand movements - work on an assembly line or a computer.
During pregnancy, the symptoms of this condition usually come and go, often worse at night. Sometimes the discomfort can radiate to the forearm and upper arm. In severe or chronic cases, a woman may feel weakness in her arm and poor coordination in her movements. nine0003
Wrist pain during pregnancy can appear at any time, but is more likely to begin or worsen in the second trimester, usually affecting both hands.
What causes carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy?
Fluid retention (often observed during pregnancy) can lead to the described syndrome. It causes swelling and increases pressure on the carpal tunnel (the bony canal formed by the bones of the wrist on three sides and the ligament that crosses the wrist on the fourth side). The increased pressure in this relatively narrow and inflexible space compresses the median nerve that runs through it, causing painful symptoms in the carpal tunnel. nine0003
Since the median nerve provides sensation to the thumb, index and middle fingers, and half of the ring finger, and is responsible for the movement of the muscle at the base of the thumb, it is these parts of the hand that can become sore or numb.
During the second half of your pregnancy, your body will begin to accumulate more fluid, so the syndrome may worsen later in life. With its mild manifestation, you can only feel how the hands go numb during pregnancy.
nine0003
How to relieve wrist pain during pregnancy at home?
To relieve discomfort, try to identify what activities typically cause or aggravate carpal tunnel syndrome and limit them as much as possible during pregnancy. Yoga can also help by making your arms stronger and thereby alleviating the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
If you work at a computer, make small changes for the period of bearing a child:
- adjust the height of your work chair so that your wrists hang off the table when you type on a laptop or keyboard;
- use an ergonomic keyboard or mouse;
- take short breaks to warm up your hands: move them or stretch them out in front of you.
A comfortable workplace is the best prevention for wrist pain.
If symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy bother you at night:
- do not sleep on your arms; nine0087 If you wake up with pain, try gently shaking your arms until the pain or numbness of your hand during pregnancy disappears.
When should you call your doctor about carpal tunnel syndrome?
When pregnant, contact your OB/GYN if pain and numbness interfere with sleep or daily routine, and before taking pain medication. The doctor may suggest a wrist splint or hand brace - stabilizing the wrist in a neutral position (not flexed) with a splint or brace allows the carpal tunnel to widen slightly and therefore alleviate the syndrome. nine0003
After delivery, wrist pain may gradually disappear without treatment as pregnancy swelling subsides. However, symptoms may persist if you are breastfeeding.
If symptoms persist after the baby is born, or if they are severe (you have persistent hand numbness, muscle weakness, or loss of sensation), be sure to tell your doctor at one of your postnatal visits. He will issue a referral to a highly specialized specialist.
Your specialist may suggest using a splint if you haven't worn one before and taking anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (not recommended during pregnancy).
