Carpal Tunnel Syndrome During Pregnancy - Why It Happens and How to Relieve Pain

Are you aware that carpal tunnel syndrome is common in pregnancy? 

At first, it was the morning sickness, followed by the continuing bouts of pregnancy nausea, then the exhaustion. Just when you thought you wouldn’t get any more surprises during the pregnancy, you feel this piercing pain in your wrist. This is carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy. 

Carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy

Carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy, or CTS, is caused by the build-up of fluid in your wrist. This causes swelling, which squeezes your median nerve. The median nerve runs from your wrist down to your hands and fingers. When it is swollen, it may cause a tingling sensation, numbness or pain. 

According to Healthline, the following are the common 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 of the results of that is that you might feel a weaker grip or it is harder to move your fingers at certain angles. One or both hands may be affected by CTS. According to a 2012 study, almost 50 per cent of pregnant women who have CTS experience it on both hands.

Symptoms may become worse as the pregnancy progresses. While CTS typically occurs during the second or third trimester, it is not uncommon to also feel it during the first trimester. A study found 40 per cent of pregnant participants reported the onset of CTS symptoms after their 30th week when the most weight gain and fluid retention occurs.

The pain might feel worse in the mornings when you just wake up as you might have had your hands curled at night or have slept on it wrongly. 

Who are at risk of getting carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy?

According to Healthline, some pregnant women are more at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome more than others. This list includes women who are overweight or obese even before pregnancy, women who have gestational diabetes or hypertension, and women who already had past pregnancies.

CTS may be an uncomfortable condition but not one that is incurable. In fact, it typically goes away on its own after delivery and your hormones go back to normal.

But before all of that, you might want to relieve some of the pain (because let’s face it, we already have enough to deal with during pregnancy that we don’t really need ANOTHER thing to hold us back!). 

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Relieving the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy

Even as I am typing this right now, I am pregnant with my first child and one of the first symptoms I am experiencing is carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy!

Doctors say this is not permanent. No painkiller or anti-inflammatory can help right now – not that we should be popping pills during pregnancy anyway!

So here are some home remedies and alternative treatments you can seek to relieve the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy. 

1. Stick to a balanced diet as much as possible

One of the reasons for the swelling and build-up of fluid is due to weight gain and hormonal fluctuations. Gaining too much weight during pregnancy is never a good thing. So to prevent too much weight gain and the worsening of the CTS, it is best to cut as much salt, sugar and fat as possible. Eat a healthy, balanced diet and drink plenty of water. 

2. Try icing your wrist

Icing your wrist with a packet of frozen vegetables could help bring down the swelling. Do this a few times a day to assist with the pain. After each icing session, be sure to stretch out your wrist and hands. 

3. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the most effective ways to relieve pain for carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy.

However, this is not a quick fix. Acupuncture requires time to work, often only proving effective over a few rounds of acupuncture. Go consistently to see the best results. Acupuncture is generally safe for pregnancy, but always do let your practitioner know if you have any concerns. 

4. Wear a wrist brace

In our hot and humid climate, wearing a wrist brace all the time might not be ideal. However, if you want to reduce movement in your wrist and prevent long term pain, wearing a wrist brace can help relieve the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy.

Many women will find the pain at its worst when they wake up in the morning. This could be due to sleeping in the wrong position or accidentally sleeping on the wrist. Wearing a wrist brace to sleep will address this issue. 

5. Practice wrist exercises

If you are putting too much strain on your wrist, refrain from using your mobile phone too much or typing on your laptop, then take frequent breaks and stretch out your wrist. Practice wrist exercises from time to time to loosen the joints and also relax the muscles and nerves in the area. 

6. Elevate your hands whenever possible

Sometimes, the pain from carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy could be due to fluid retention. This can cause a minor swelling internally, which can result in pain in the wrist. Elevating your hands can help with blood flow and water retention to reduce swelling and pain. 

7. Apply numbing cream

This is not a long-term solution and it is not advised to apply numbing cream too often, but if the pain gets unbearable, you can try applying a numbing cream to get through the pain. 

With all of these remedies to try, it’s worth giving it a shot to see if you can relieve some of the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy!

If you are experiencing severe pain in your wrists or you’re experiencing other concerning symptoms during your pregnancy, do not hesitate to consult your OB-gynaecologist for better assessment and treatment. 

Updates by Camille Eusebio

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