Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome involves compression of the median nerve in the wrist where the nerve travels through a “tunnel” made by the wrist bones. People with carpal tunnel syndrome will report numbness, tingling and burning pain in the thumb, index and middle fingers, and often a weak grip strength and pinch grip. The symptoms are often worse at night, or after repetitive hand activities.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is more common in pregnancy as the increased volume of blood and other body fluids can create swelling in the hands. When this swelling occurs in the wrist, it can compress the median nerve.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is best treated sooner, rather than waiting too long. Management in pregnancy includes resting from repetitive hand movements, wearing splints, especially at night, and physiotherapy advice and treatment, including stretches.