Being uncomfortable, having trouble sleeping, and being unable to follow a daily routine are problems most women experience during pregnancy. And as if that’s not enough, some women also develop very discomforting carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) during pregnancy.
Though CTS can get on your nerves (quite literally), it is something you can manage effectively if you do your research correctly. And to help you with that here’s everything you need to know about the syndrome.1
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
The Carpal tunnel is a tunnel in the wrist area between the ligaments and bones. It consists of a narrow passageway towards the side of the palm through which the median nerve runs. If the median nerve, which runs from the neck through the shoulders to the fingers, gets compressed inside the carpal tunnel, it results in carpal tunnel syndrome.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is associated with numb wrists and fingers and can cause discomfort making day-to-day activities difficult to handle. It can occur in one or both hands. According to a study conducted by the National Institute of Health, 50% percent of pregnant women who participated had this syndrome in both hands.2
Carpal tunnel syndrome is likely to affect people with underlying conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid, autoimmune disorders, etc.2. While experts are not sure what causes Carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy, it is believed that it results from fluid retention and hormone-related swelling.3
What increases the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy?
- Being Overweight or Obese – Women who are overweight during pregnancy are diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome more frequently. Hence, it is vital to keep your weight in check and get as much exercise during pregnancy as possible.
- Diabetes or Hypertension – Diabetes and hypertension during pregnancy can lead to swelling and fluid retention – conditions that further give rise to the syndrome. So, be conscious of what you’re putting in your body and try relaxation therapies to release stress.
- Past Pregnancies – Relaxin, the hormone which expands the cervix and pelvis for childbirth, is present in higher amounts during subsequent pregnancies. And this can cause carpal tunnel inflammation.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel During Pregnancy
Here are some common symptoms that you may experience if you have carpal tunnel syndrome:
- Tingling sensation and numbness in wrist, hand, and fingers
- Increased discomfort in hand(s) at night
- Pain and throbbing sensation
- Swelling in fingers and palm
- Trouble doing motor activities
- Trouble gripping objects firmly
- Radiating pain in arms and shoulders
- Weakness
How is CTS diagnosed in pregnancy?
The diagnosis of CTS during pregnancy is completely safe. Usually, doctors diagnose the problem based on the symptoms you mention to them.4 However, your doctor may require conducting a physical examination using electrodiagnostic tests to ensure that the problem is correctly diagnosed.
The test consists of thin needles (electrodes) with wires taped to your skin. The electrodes analyze the signals received from your nerves. And since the damaged median nerve tends to slow down these signals, the doctor can confirm the syndrome if the electrical signals are weak.
Tinel’s sign is another test you can do to identify if the median nerve is damaged. Your doctor can conduct this test separately or as a part of the electrodiagnostic test. In this test, your doctor will tap on the affected area. If you feel a tingling sensation, your doctor can confirm that the nerve is damaged.
Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Pregnancy
The carpal tunnel syndrome treatment must begin as soon as you are diagnosed.5 Also, make sure that a trusted medical practitioner suggests the treatment. To start with, here are some:
Non-surgical methods:
- Use of Cold Compresses – Use cold compresses if you notice swelling or redness in your wrist. Also, take a break from all activities if you notice these symptoms, and rest your hand(s) as much as possible.
- Anti-Inflammatory Medicines – If your wrist is swollen and causes a lot of discomforts, your doctor may suggest taking anti-inflammatory medicines to ease it up. However, non-steroidal drugs, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, etc., temporarily relieve pain. So, ensure that your hand rests properly until the syndrome is completely treated. Also, do not take over-the-counter medicines without consulting your doctor or midwife.
- Splint – Your doctor may suggest wearing a brace while you sleep at night because that’s when the syndrome causes the most discomfort.
- Therapies – In addition to pain-relief drugs, you may also opt for acupuncture and chiropractic therapies.
- Yoga – Yoga is highly recommended since it improves grip and strengthens the nerves and muscles.
- Copper Compression Gloves – Copper compression gloves are known to regulate blood circulation and maintain oxygen supply. And this improves mobility, reduces stiffness, and makes your everyday activities pain-free.6 Moreover, copper’s anti-odor and anti-microbial properties destroy pathogenic microorganisms on contact, protecting you from infections and diseases.7
Surgical Methods:
Your doctor may require performing CTS surgery if the symptoms persist. The surgery involves cutting off a ligament, which reduces the pressure on the median nerve. The surgeon will follow one of these two methods:
- Open Release Surgery – This procedure to treat CTS involves making a 2-inch incision into the wrist and then enlarging the carpal tunnel by cutting the carpal ligament. This surgery is quick and can be done on an outpatient basis.
- Endoscopic Surgery – Endoscopic surgery is associated with lesser post-operative discomfort and a higher risk of surgical complications. It involves making incisions of half-inch each in the wrist and the palm. After that, your surgeon will insert a camera connected to a tube to observe the tendons, the ligaments, and the nerves. Then, as required, your surgeon will cut the carpal ligament using a small knife inserted through the tube.
The ligaments grow back together after the surgery, allowing more space than previously. Based on underlying conditions, some people may experience infections and pain. If that’s the case, visit your doctor for further treatment.
Breastfeeding Tips for Women with CTS
Since CTS symptoms may continue even after pregnancy, ensure you avoid bending your wrist when breastfeeding the baby. Here are a few more tips you must follow:
- Sit up straight on a supportive chair and place a pillow under the baby for their support.
- Support the baby’s head using your arm instead of your hand and wrist.
- When you lay down to breastfeed the baby, put a pillow between your legs and one behind your head to be more comfortable. Use a small rolled-up towel to support the baby’s head instead of using your hand.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a commonly occurring problem in pregnancy, and the symptoms, in most cases, disappear 12 months after the delivery. But to maintain a healthy routine, you must consult a doctor and avoid further discomfort. Pregnancy is a blissful period in women’s lives. Take the utmost care of your health to enjoy it and create the most beautiful memories.
References:
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20355603
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4934949/
3. https://www.webmd.com/baby/wrist-pain-carpal-tunnel
4. https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/carpal-tunnel/carpal-tunnel-diagnosis#1
5. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355608
6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23302134/
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3067274/
This article contains affiliate links. These opinions are our own. However, if you buy something, we may earn a small commission, which helps us keep our content free to our readers. Check out our Chick Picks Shop to see more of our recommended products. It’s our carefully curated shop of products we love and recommend! ❤️
