Hand Pain Often During Pregnancy, Maybe Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Do you often feel numb hands, tingling, and pain during pregnancy? It could be a symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Although generally not dangerous, but this condition can cause discomfort and disturbance. Come on, get to know more about CTS. CTS in pregnant women occurs due to a buildup of fluid in the wrist tissue, causing swelling, which is common in pregnant women. These symptoms are usually more pronounced when you wake up in the morning, after the hands bend all night.

Are you more at risk?

CTS usually occurs in the second and third trimester of pregnancy. In addition to pain, CTS is often characterized by weakened grip and fingers that are difficult to move. You can feel it on the entire hand, but especially on the hands that are often used, especially on the middle and index fingers. Although it can occur to all pregnant women, there are some pregnant women who are more at risk of experiencing it. Several conditions can make pregnant women more at risk of CTS:

• There are family members (for example parents) who have experienced CTS.
• Have experienced interference or injury to the neck, back and shoulders.
• Experience excess weight gain during pregnancy, including due to twin pregnancy. This condition puts additional pressure on the shoulders, arms and ribs.
• If in a previous pregnancy, pregnant women experience CTS.

Not only during pregnancy, CTS can also occur after the baby is born, which is more influenced by activities when taking care of the baby, where a lot of hand force is needed. However, CTS symptoms usually subside after delivery, as loss of body fluid buildup and hormone levels return to normal. If you feel the symptoms of CTS you should see a doctor for proper treatment.

How to Overcome CTS in Pregnancy

If the symptoms are not severe, the doctor may recommend treatments without surgery, including:

• Utilize assistive devices

Use a wrist brace at night. The doctor can recommend a wrist brace to relieve pain.

• Frequent breaks when doing repetitive activities

For example, activities carrying a toddler or typing. If typing is Mother's daily activity, try placing a pad on the mouse pad to support the wrist, or stretching the body to relax muscles and joints that are stiff due to activity.

• Limit salt consumption

Mother can limit salt consumption to reduce the buildup of body fluids.

Tips on Preventing CTS

Mothers who are still planning a pregnancy, there are ways you can try to prevent CTS.

• Eat nutritious food

Eating healthy foods with balanced nutrition, can maintain excess body weight. Drink water, limit your intake of sugar, salt and fat. In addition, sufficient vegetables and fruit needs up to at least 5 servings a day. Consume foods rich in vitamin B6 to maintain a healthy nervous system, such as broccoli, sunflower seeds, lean meat, avocados, or salmon.

• Wearing a pregnant bra

This bra can reduce pressure on the sternum and rib cage, which can also reduce pressure on the nerve pathway that supplies the hands.

• Do wrist stretches

The trick, clench your fingers and bend your wrists inward. After that, straighten your fingers and point the wrist outwards. Repeat this movement 10 times, at least once a day.

In addition to the methods above, Mother can ask your partner or friend to massage the hands, wrists, to the shoulders, neck and upper back. You can also consider acupuncture to reduce the symptoms of CTS. If the pain or discomfort in the hand does not immediately subside or feels more and more disturbing, consultation can be done to the doctor or neurologist to get the treatment needed.