Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Pregnancy

Carpal tunnel syndrome is not uncommon during the last few months of pregnancy.

The swelling and fluid retention that's so common during pregnancy can increase the pressure in the relatively narrow and inflexible space between the bones of the wrist, compressing the median nerve that runs through it.

The median nerve gives sensation to the thumb and the index, middle, and half of the ring finger and is responsible for movement of a muscle at the base of the thumb. Pressure on this nerve is what causes the symptoms.

Carpal tunnel syndrome usually isn't serious. With treatment, the pain will usually go away and you'll have no lasting damage to your hand or wrist.

The symptoms include:

*Numbness or tingling in your hand and fingers, especially the thumb, index and middle fingers.
*Pain in your wrist, palm or forearm.
*More numbness or pain at night than during the day. The pain may be so bad it wakes you up. You may shake or rub your hand to get relief.
*Pain that increases when you use your hand or wrist more.
*Trouble gripping objects, such as a doorknob or the steering wheel of a car.
Weakness in your thumb.

Treatment

If possible, avoid any activity that requires forceful, repetitive hand movements. Although these movements may not have caused your carpal tunnel syndrome, they can make your symptoms worse.

If your job requires this kind of movement and you must continue it, consider wearing wrist or hand braces while you work.

If you're working at a computer, adjust the height of your chair so your wrists aren't bent downward as you type. Using a special ergonomic keyboard can help in some cases. Remember to take breaks to stretch your hands.

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. Wear a wrist splint at night.

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.

Practicing yoga can help relieve the pain and increase hand strength.

Try increasing your vitamin B6 food intake. Food Sources of vitamin B6 include sweet potatoes, avocados, brown rice, sunflower seeds, chick peas, salmon, pork, chicken, turkey, potatoes, bok choy, barley, bananas, and mangoes.

Try things that decrease inflammation like Omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidant foods. Also, you could increase your intake of vegetables and fresh fruits, especially berries, and your intake of cranberry, blueberry and pomegranate juice.