Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS); Wrist Pain & Numbness During Pregnancy

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition which causes pain and numbness in the wrist and the hand. It is caused by pressure on the median nerve that runs through your wrist. This often comes from overusing your hand and wrist or increased fluid retention.

In pregnancy, it is very common to feel symptoms of CTS. This is because you are likely to be retaining more fluid and this causes increased pressure on the median nerve. The most common time to initially have symptoms is at night when you are the "puffiest". As the pregnancy progresses, you may also have symptoms throughout the day.

A splint can keep the wrist straight.

CTS is best treated by decreasing how much you use your affected hand and by elevating your arms on pillows when you are lying down. Some women even need to try wearing a wrist splint - especially at night. Avoid bending your wrists if possible. During pregnancy, surgery is almost never needed as the symptoms often resolve once the baby is born.