If you have carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy, you are not alone.
It is common in pregnant and non-pregnant individuals.
The symptoms are a result of pressure on the median nerve which is located in your wrist (see diagram below).
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It is a focal nerve problem, not a neurological illness.
- In the general population, carpal tunnel syndrome occurs in 4% to 6 % of the population.
- During pregnancy, it has been reported to affect up to 60% of pregnant women.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is most often caused by swelling and inflammation in the wrist due to repetitive hand movements which puts pressure on the median nerve.
As the median nerve passes through the wrist, the fibrous tissue encasing the structures in the wrist does not allow for expansion. As a result, when the tissues in the wrist swell during pregnancy, the median nerve is compressed and can become inflamed. Compression causes impaired function of the median nerve resulting in the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
How To Relieve Carpal Tunnel Syndrome During Pregnancy
If carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy is diagnosed, work with your provider and try these simple measures:
- Rest your hands whenever possible.
- Avoid repetitive motions or movements that aggravate symptoms. Typing, sporting activities, etc.
- Apply cold therapy, such as an ice pack or gel pad for 15 minutes at a time.
- Soak your hands in warm water with Epsom salts.
- Elevate your hand to reduce swelling.
- Wear a wrist splint to reduce strain during the day or night. Immobilize your wrist/hand with a Carpal Tunnel Wrist Brace
For most women with carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy, immobilization of the wrist is the only treatment that will be necessary.
It is more common during pregnancy because of tissue swelling.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is not the only medical condition that can result from swelling during pregnancy.
To learn more check out our article on How To Prevent Swelling During Pregnancy.
During my 20 years in clinical practice, it was remarkable to see how many women developed carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy.
Most often it affected women who worked many hours on a computer.
Using a lot of digital products definitely can increase your risk of getting carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy.
Especially if you have a past history of carpal tunnel syndrome.
In our OB/GYN office, we kept an entire cabinet stocked with wristbands for carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Right-handed braces
- Left-handed braces
- Soft or Firm
- Small, medium or large.
This was before carpal tunnel wrist braces became available online:
We want to stress again, the fact that carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy is rarely a neurological disorder.
Though other neurologic conditions can have similar symptoms it is very rare that carpal tunnel syndrome first occurring in pregnant women will be indicative of an underlying neurologic, genetic or autoimmune disorder.
Still, it is important to have a proper clinical evaluation performed.
Carpal tunnel Syndrome is an anatomic/mechanical medical condition.
The symptoms associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome correspond to the location where the sensory and motor function of the hand is controlled by the median nerve.
The symptoms listed below are common symptoms that occur when persistent pressure is exerted on a nerve.
The pressure is hard enough to block nerve conduction.
What Are The Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Burning sensation
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of dexterity leading to dropping items or an inability to do technical tasks (typing, etc.)
- Radiation of symptoms into the upper arm on the affected side. This often occurs upon awakening in the morning.
The sensory and motor function of the Median Nerve includes the thumb, index, and middle finger, and half of the ring finger.
Why do pregnant women get carpal tunnel?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve.
As the median nerve passes through the wrist, it is surrounded by a fibrous ligament called the “carpal ligament”.
This ligament is like “steel” and does not stretch.
When tissues in the wrist swell during pregnancy the “carpal ligament”, which also encases nine tendons and blood vessels become tight and this puts pressure on the median nerve.
*When pressure is put on a nerve, nerve conduction is blocked and whatever is innervated by that nerve will be affected.
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For most women, the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy are mild.
For others, the symptoms can be severe and may require the use of steroids or surgery.
Surgery is done as a last resort and is often deferred until after pregnancy to see if the symptoms improve with the postpartum diuresis of fluid.
Surgical correction involves the “release of the carpal ligament”.
I have never had a patient require surgery during pregnancy for carpal tunnel syndrome.
I have only had one patient who requires steroids.
Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome During Pregnancy
Your provider can diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome based on your medical history and physical exam and can decide whether further testing is necessary:
- X-ray to rule out a fracture or arthritis
- Electromyogram to evaluate electrical impulses in muscles
- Nerve conduction study to see if the median nerve impulses are slowed through the carpal tunnel
Treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy:
The first treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome is wrist immobilization.
The use of a properly-sized wrist brace will effectively manage the majority of women with symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy.
If symptoms persist, steroid injections may be indicated to reduce inflammation.
If steroid treatment is not effective the need for surgery to release the carpal ligament may be necessary.
Surgical management is the last resort for women with severe carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy.
If possible, surgery is delayed until after pregnancy.
The postpartum delay allows time for swelling to resolve.
Often times the symptoms resolve and surgery is not necessary.
Swelling during pregnancy can be normal or it can be related to pregnancy complications.
Why is pregnancy carpal tunnel worse at night?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is often worse at night due to the position of the hands and wrist during sleep.
Sleep can put increased pressure on the median nerve, which can cause increased numbness, pain, and tingling in the fingers.
Women suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome may find relief by wearing a wrist brace or splint while sleeping.
It is also important to keep the hands elevated above the heart level when lying down to reduce swelling.
You may also find relief by massaging your hands, wrists, and arms before bed or using a cold compress on the affected areas.
It is important to speak with your healthcare provider if you are experiencing severe symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and do not find any relief with these at-home remedies.
They may recommend steroid injections or physical therapy to help with the symptoms.
When should I worry about carpal tunnel in pregnancy?
If you are experiencing severe symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, such as numbness and tingling in the fingers, loss of grip strength, or decreased range of motion in your hands and wrists, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider.
It is possible that these symptoms could be a sign of something more serious and should be evaluated.
Your healthcare provider may recommend further testing and treatment.
In some cases, carpal tunnel can get worse during pregnancy if not treated properly.
If you are concerned about the severity of your symptoms, it is best to talk to your doctor or midwife right away.
They may suggest lifestyle changes such as wearing a splint at night, taking breaks throughout the day to rest your hands and wrists, or physical therapy.
It is important to be proactive in taking care of yourself during pregnancy and ensure that you are getting the medical attention needed.s
