Carpal tunnel

[KatnissMellark]

I've been having numbness and pain in both hands for the last few weeks, particularly at nighttime. Dr said not much to be done and suggested buying some splints from Amazon to keep my hands in a neutral position overnight. Has anyone else had this? Did splints help? Any recommendations? I'm reluctant to buy as am 32 weeks so not that looooong to go if it's going to disappear straight after birth which is whay I'm hoping for...

[mummytime]

Have they been doing regular bloods? Because to be honest, that is what I started to complain about during my last pregnancy, and it is definitely a symptom of my low thyroid - and a range of other things.
At 32 weeks its probably fine, but if it doesn't go after the birth do get them to investigate further.

[KatnissMellark]

I have an underactive thyroid and am being closely monitored for that (next blood test on Monday), but thanks, I didn't know it could be related!

[Imaginarymenagerie]

I had carpal tunnel in both wrists a few years ago (not pregnancy related). Splints helped a little. I also found propping my wrists up on a pillow helped with numbness/pins and needles overnight. I just bought the cheapest splints on Amazon, but also bought a pair of long socks to cut up to put over the top as the edges of the Velcro were not kind on my skin or my clothes. Also meant that I could just put the covers in the wash as the splints themselves were hand wash only and took forever to dry.

[mummytime]

Underactive thyroid, low iron and possibly B12 can all lead to numbness. When mine is well regulated it goes away, when it reoccurs it tends to mean my iron or thyroid is low.

[NotmeItWasNotme]

Try acupuncture. It worked for me. I had it in the morning and the pain was gone by the evening.

[oldlaundbooth]

I started with carpal tunnel around the same time as you and after three night's of no sleep i brought splints. So glad I did as they made a massive difference! Could actually sleep without waking in agony.

Never had CT before, it's surprisingly painful.

[AudreyBradshaw]

I developed carpal tunnel in both hands at about 34 weeks. DS is now just over 8 weeks and I've got most of the feeling back except in the very tips of my fingers. It's frustrating as balls (especially with fiddly babygrow poppers at 3am when you're knackered!) Get some baby bundlers (they're so much easier to navigate)

Nobody ever mentioned anything about splints or anything, just "it happens, it will disappear eventually, it's water/baby/pressure on your spine". I did loads of wrist stretching out.

[DickHair73]

I too had carpet tunnel in both hands/wrists in the latter stages of pregnancy - no other complications/conditions. I got two splints. Made the world of difference - though awkward to sleep with!

One hand recovered immediately upon giving birth, the other hand took a little longer, and about 6 months before full usage of thumb.

[AshesandDust]

I'm hypothyroid and have carpal tunnel I've wearing a splint while typing helps me such a lot, I couldn't use the computer without it.
But I get the most relief from wrist exercises I found online.

[KatnissMellark]

Thanks all, I had no idea it could be related to thyroid! I think I'll give it a day or two and if it continues order a couple of splints as they seem to make a difference for most people.

[GreyBird84]

Yep.

Took it with 1st pregnancy at around 23/24 weeks. 2 splints, signed off work 28 weeks (full time admin). Did physiotherapy but didn't help.
It didn't ease up until 8/10 weeks post birth.

Never fully disappeared.

My hands being sore was the first sign I was pregnant again. It started to get really bad at 18 weeks. I'm almost 24 weeks & it's affecting my shoulders this time too.

It's really getting my down actually I cry most days! I'm part time & trying to go as long as I can but I can't see it being much longer. I wear 2 splints & feel like something out of terminator.

I never knew that about thyroid, I have my midwife app this afternoon so I will mention that to her.