Between five and ten percent of women experience numbness, tingling, and in some cases burning pain, in their hands and fingers during pregnancy.
As your baby develops and your body retains more water, body tissues swell and the median nerve, which passes through the wrist, and tendons are compressed. This condition is called carpal tunnel syndrome, named for ring of fibers, which surround the wrist and under which the nerves pass.
Carpal tunnel syndrome usually involves the numbness and tingling in the lateral three fingers of each hand, or a burning pain in the middle and index finger and thumb. Sometimes nerves of the entire hand are blocked and the hand and even the forearm can feel numb.
This condition is most common in the morning, because of the accumulation of water overnight. Carpal tunnel syndrome becomes more pronounced as your pregnancy progresses. If you are diabetic, numbness can be an indication that the condition is out of control and you should inform your doctor immediately. Carpal tunnel syndrome usually disappears postpartum, although some women find their arms and hands remain numb because of the constant carrying of the baby.
No results found. Click here for amazon.com
If you experience any numbness or tingling in your hands, try raising them above your head for a few minutes. Flex your hands and the wrist and gently extend the fingers towards the ceiling. Try wriggling your fingers and rolling your shoulders to relieve pressure on the median nerve.
If the condition persists you should ask your doctor for a neutral splint which will position your hand and minimize the discomfort. A neutral splint will restrict your hand movement and may not be suitable if you are working at a job that requires repetitive motion. But the splints can be worn at night, and sleeping with your arm on a pillow may also alleviate the discomfort.
During pregnancy carpal tunnel syndrome is often the result of water retention, and in some cases your doctor may prescribe diureticsOne of a series of drugs which are used to promote urination in the patient. They are given to reduce the volume of non-cellular fluids, usually in the treatment of hypertension, congestive heart failure and edema.
Whether the drug falls into the category of thiazides, mercurials, loop diuretics, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, thiazide-like diuretics or potassium-sparing diuretics will depend on the condition of the patient.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions. or limit your intake of salty foods to reduce the swelling of your body tissues. Acupuncture may be an option for you.
Many conventional physicians recommend supplementing your intake of Vitamin B6 to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. Unfortunately there is little or no evidence that adding vitamin B6 to your diet actually works.
Carpal tunnel syndrome usually corrects itself after you delivery your baby and your body stops retaining water. If you are affected by carpal tunnel syndrome postpartum, consult your doctor. Minor surgery may be necessary, and will correct the problem.
No results found. Click here for amazon.com
