Pregnancy-Related Numbness & Tingling: Causes & Relief

Question
Hello Dr.
I am in my 32nd week of pregnancy. For the past 2 weeks or so my right hand has been falling asleep. It was happening mostly when I crochet. The last few days it is happening pretty much all day no matter what I'm doing. The worst of it is when I'm sleeping. My legs are also starting to tingle a lot depending on how I sit and now my left hand is starting to.
Can you tell me if this is a normal pregnancy symptom? Is there something I can do to ease this if not to completely get rid of it? Or does this not have to do with pregnancy at all?
I will appreciate any advise.
Thank you,
Margie

Answer
You are probably suffering from "Carpal Tunnel Syndrome", which is caused by pressure against the nerves in your wrist when you flex your hand. It often is exacerbated during the night and causes you to have numbness and, sometimes, pain in your hand. It is caused by the normal swelling and edema around the vein and artery in your wrist during pregnancy. The problem usually disappears after the baby is born. For now, I would suggest that you go to the pharmacy and get a "wrist splint" which will prevent you from flexing your hand while you are sleeping (or crocheting). Also, you might try shaking your hand vigorously when it feel numb.