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| |    Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Pregnancy by Lisa Rodriguez, R.N. and Marjorie Greenfield, M.D. reviewed by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P. If you begin to experience numbness or pain in your hands during the last few months of your pregnancy, you are not alone. This could be a condition called carpal tunnel syndrome, which is fairly common in pregnancy. It usually affects the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and part of the ring finger of either or both hands. Generally, this condition can develop in people who have occupations that require repetitive use of the hands, such as typing, playing piano, or cutting meat. When the hand is bent back, such as when speaking on the telephone, the problem can be particularly annoying. Why does Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occur? The nerves to the affected fingers run through a tunnel in the wrist. During pregnancy, this tunnel can become swollen, along with many other parts of the body. Pressure on the nerves caused by the swelling can cause numbness, tingling, burning, and pain in the affected fingers. Many pregnant women notice the symptoms during the night, when gravity allows the fluid that has accumulated in the legs during the day to redistribute to the rest of the body. What can you do about it? If you find that you experience symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome during certain activities such as typing, try being careful about your positioning. An ergonomic keyboard, mouse and keyboard pads with wrist supports, and a chair with adjustable arms are some of the things that help relieve the strain on your arms and wrists. If the symptoms occur during telephone conversations, consider a speakerphone or headset. If your symptoms are severe, you may want to discuss with your practitioner whether wearing a wrist brace or taking Vitamin B6 daily are options for you. Both can help relieve some of the discomfort. Some practitioners recommend non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®), which are probably safe until the last two months of pregnancy. Typically, carpal tunnel symptoms will diminish after the birth of your baby, just as swelling in other parts of your body will likely resolve after delivery. If you continue to experience numbness and pain after you give birth, see your doctor.
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