Wrist pain and carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy
Nicola Tik
Wrist pain and tingling in the hands are surprisingly common during pregnancy, and they can feel alarming if you are not sure what is causing them. This article explains what is going on and what you can do to keep things more comfortable.
During pregnancy, your body retains more fluid than usual. This extra fluid can build up in the wrist area and press on the median nerve, which runs through a narrow channel in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. The result is tingling, numbness, or an aching feeling in the hand and fingers, often worse at night or first thing in the morning.
It is very common in the second and third trimester, and for most people it settles after the baby arrives.
Keeping your wrists in a neutral position as much as possible makes a difference. Try to avoid letting your wrists bend downward for long periods, whether you are typing, scrolling on your phone, or sleeping. A wrist splint worn at night, available from most pharmacies, can help take the pressure off while you sleep and is safe to use in pregnancy.
Gentle hand and wrist movement during the day can also help. Try slowly opening and closing your fist a few times, or rotating your wrists in a comfortable circle. These take less than a minute and are worth doing regularly if your hands feel stiff or tingly.
Reducing fluid pooling where you can also helps. Keeping your hands elevated when resting, and avoiding staying in one position for too long, are both simple options worth trying.
Cold or warm compresses on the wrist area are a comfortable option for short-term relief. Always check with your midwife or GP before taking any medication for pain relief during pregnancy.
If the tingling or numbness is severe, affecting your grip, or spreading beyond your hand and wrist, it is worth mentioning to your midwife or GP at your next appointment.