Seeking advice about swollen/numb hands

[pompeyld]

Hi, I'm 29 weeks pregnant and new to mumsnet, so I apologise if this has been covered before - I had a quick look down the threads but couldn't see it! I've had a very healthy pregnancy so far, but have had a lot of water retention since about 20 weeks with very swollen legs and ankles. This hasn't caused a major issue, however my wrists and hands have also swollen up over the last four weeks or so, and I have recently started to get numb fingers regularly. Again this isn't a massive issue (although it's hard to type!) but over the last week my hands are very achey and painful - does anyone have advice about exercises I can do to help ease the aches please? Many thanks!

sounds like carpal tunnel syndrome; a common & temporary pregnancy condition. See your GP to confirm. Splints, massage, anything to reduce water retention usually helps.

hth.

Many thanks Flack, I'm due an antenatal appointment next week so will raise the issue. Friends have mentioned carpal tunnel to me too. Looks like I'll have to talk hubby into giving me an arm massage!

Hi, I am 34 weeks preg and have exactly the same problem. It started when I was 31 weeks and still continues. I will also speak with my GP about this.

I had this too. It was so bad at the end that I couldn't make anything like a fist with either hand. Miraculously the moment dd was born it vanished!

Best check it out with your GP though.

I had carpal tunnel syndrome with my 1st. The GP or midwife should be able to sort you out with some splints which should ease it. Just be careful when you're picking up pans, etc., as you are more liable to drop them. (Perfect excuse for DH to do the cooking, really )
Carpal tunnel will disappear the minute you give birth, if that's any consolation.

I get this too! (now 36 wks pg). Swollen ankles and hands. Also got it very severely in first pregnancy and as others have said it vanished straight after birth.

What are splints? do they work? i shall ask my midwife about those.

Hattie - splints are really attractive supports that cover your arm from just above your wrist to the middle of your hand. They're made of shaped metal on the palm side and elasticated material on the back, and really do provide tremendous support to your hands and wrists. They also lessen the effects of CT. Unfortunately, mine came in a lovely 'skin' colour, but I hear they make them in white now, which at least is more trendy!

thanks babypowder and i can get them from a midwife can i?

I've got carpal tunnel as well, it gets worse at night and first thing in the morning. With 2 little DCs to look after, I didn't bother with the splints as I thought they'd get in the way of everything I need to do, like food prep, changing nappies, etc, but have just learned to live with it.

Didn't get it 1st time, but 2nd time only mildly when pushing a buggy but much worse now, tingling fingers and hands just from holding a knife and fork or the steering wheel. It's annoying but I'm 38 weeks, not long to go now!