numb hands

7 replies

susiemj · 10/09/2007 12:23

Does anyone know what might be causing this? I'm 22 weeks pregnant with first baby. For several weeks now I've been waking up with numb hands down to the middle of the forearm. It doesn't happen every night and it goes very quickly on waking up with no pain or anything else odd. My MW thought it was early oedema but they don't seem to be swollen up. In general, though, can no longer get my wedding ring on so obviously am a bit puffy. It's six weeks to my next MW appointment. Do you think I need to call?

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WigWamBam · 10/09/2007 12:26

Sounds like carpal tunnel syndrome - common in pregnancy because of the extra pressure caused by swelling hands.

GreatAuntieWurly · 10/09/2007 12:27

carpal tunnel. I had very mild carpal tunnel symptoms before my 2nd pregnancy but it got worse during my pregnancy. Ended up having to have both my carpal tunnels released after.

RLR · 10/09/2007 16:52

ive just been watching the birth programs on tele a few hours ago and a lady on there had carpal tunnel syndrome. she only got it while pg never had it before. it should go when u give birth. take care.

NoMoreHighHeels · 10/09/2007 19:15

Another voye here for Carpel Tunnel Syndrome. I got it when I was expecting DS and unfortunately the symptoms persisted after he was born so had an operation to sort both hands out. I think the vast majority of times the symptoms disappear when the baby arrives so don't think it's all doom and gloom.

As for seeing your GP/MW about it, I'm sure that a quick chat with them wouldn't be out of the question. Sometimes people are offered arm splints to wear to relieve the symptoms.

I too couldn't wear my wedding ring...........

Good luck with the baby!

HonorMatopoeia · 10/09/2007 19:18

Yes, certainly sounds like carpal tunnel, I had this with Dd1. I'd ring your midwife or go and see the dr as I was given physio and that helped to sort things out for me.

sleepfinder · 10/09/2007 20:17

This is how my CTS started in pregnancy 1.

It gets worse and can be very painful / restrictive in terms of movement as it progresses - you need to see your GP as soon as you can to avoid that, I'd say.

In this, my 2nd pregnancy I've been wearing wrist straps from the very start and haven't suffered it (though it HAS suggested its going to make an appaerance if I've taken them off in the night for being overheated).

In the first preg, the straps were the only thing which prevented it worsening, but I was stuck wearing them often in the day and looked like a big fat egg shaped skateboarder....

I hope it stops / improves rather than worsens for you. The best advice on it I got from the NCT helpline - and they were accurate in telling me that it wouldn't go for 3 months after the birth.

sorry, long ramble.

LolaLadybird · 11/09/2007 23:06

I also had CTS with DD and although it was really quite painful towards the end of my pg and also limited what I could do (anything involving keeping hands in one position for more than a few minutes was out), it did go fairly soon after the birth.

Do see your midwife though as there is stuff that can help. I saw a physio who gave me wrist splints to wear at night (and eventually in the day) and I was also referred for acupuncture on the NHS.

PS. LOL at the egg-shaped skateboarder analogy Sleepfinder - a v bizarre image but quite accurate I would agree!

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