Hand Pain During Pregnancy: Causes & Relief

Question
i am pregnant in my 6th month and for the past week my hands have been hurting badly all the time why?  

Answer
Dear Chery,

This may be caused by carpal tunnel syndrome. Although you probably have heard of this condition being associated with people whose jobs require repetitive hand movements it's also more prevalent in pregnant women. Up to 25% of pregnant women will experience this syndrome at some point during their pregnancy.

Symptoms may include numbness, tingling, burning, pain, or a dull ache in the fingers, hand, wrist, and even up the arm to the shoulder. In severe chronic cases, your hand may feel clumsy or weak. The symptoms usually affect both hands and can appear at any time, but they're more likely to begin or worsen in the 2nd half of pregnancy when women tend to retain more fluid. Often these symptoms are most intense at night and result in routine sleep disturbance.

The carpal tunnel is a bony canal formed by the wrist bones on three sides and a ligament that runs across the wrist on the other. The swelling and fluid retention that's so common during pregnancy can increase the pressure in this narrow space, compressing the median nerve that runs through it. Pressure on this nerve is what causes the symptoms. The symptoms usually go away gradually after you give birth, as the swelling from pregnancy subsides.

Your doctor will be able to help you diagnosis your symptoms and identify any contributing factors. For now, try to avoid any repetitive hand movements. If your job requires this kind of movement and you must continue it, your doctor might prescribe a wrist or hand brace while you work. If your symptoms bother you at night, shift your sleeping position and try to prop up your arm with a pillow or two when you feel the twinges. Avoid sleeping on your hands. If you wake up with pain, try shaking your hands until the pain or numbness goes away. If you have a lot of discomfort at night, try stabilizing your wrist in a neutral position (not bent) with a splint or brace. A neutral position allows the carpal tunnel to be slightly wider.

I hope this information has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda