Carpal tunnel is a tingling, sharp pain and lack of sensation of hands that occurs during the last trimester of pregnancy. Basically, carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by rhythmic hand movements such as typing in a computer, painting, driving and similar working activities; the condition is also common during the last stage of pregnancy (six to nine months).
This syndrome appears anytime during the last trimester of pregnancy. Carpal tunnel can attack both hands and sometimes in just one hand. This condition happens when the pregnant woman keep hold of amniotic fluid in the uterus. Carpal tunnel syndrome may disappear after giving birth or during the time of labor.
Our carpal tunnel is situated among the bony canal and tendons of the wrist. At the back of tendons are ligaments and in between tendons and ligaments is a narrow canal called carpal. When there is progressive retention of amniotic fluid, the hands and feet swells. When our hands swell, it gives weight to the median nerve and carpal tunnel is affected. Our median nerve plays a very important role to our hands and feet. They are the one responsible to the movements of our hands and feet. The pain a pregnant woman encounter with her hands and feet is called carpal tunnel symptoms.
Carpal tunnel syndrome does not give as relief but a very annoying discomfort. We all know how stressful pregnancy is because of hormonal changes. When a woman is pregnant and suffers from carpal pain, it gives added discomforts and stress. If possible a pregnant woman should avoid actions that will promote repetitive activities because this can aggravate symptoms of carpal tunnel. When a house hold work is inevitable, a pregnant mother should wear a splint to protect the wrist. At night, avoid using your hands in replacement to pillow because giving pressure on it would suppress the median nerve and carpal pain happens.
When you wake up in the middle of the night and you feel numbness in your hand, shake it until the numbness is gone. When in some cases the pain is recurring and is very discomforting, do not hesitate to get help from your doctor right away for other pain relief.
Pregnant women are more susceptible to carpal tunnel pain. The progressive retention of amniotic fluid during pregnancy promotes more swelling and the more it swells the more it gives pressure to the median nerve.