Carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy: tingling hands and what helps

Tingling, numb or achy hands are common in pregnancy, and they usually get better after the birth. Here’s what NHS services say helps.

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on a nerve in your wrist, called the median nerve. A leaflet from University Hospital Southampton says that in pregnancy, fluid builds up in the tissues and can collect in the carpal tunnel, the narrow space the nerve passes through. NHS Fife says pregnancy hormones also soften the ligament that forms the roof of the tunnel.

NHS inform, Scotland’s health information service, says it is common in pregnancy, affecting up to 50% of pregnant women.

Symptoms

NHS 111 Wales lists:

an ache or pain in your fingers, hand or arm
numb hands
tingling or pins and needles
a weak thumb or difficulty gripping

NHS inform says it usually affects your thumb and your index, middle and ring fingers. Symptoms often start slowly and come and go, and they’re usually worse at night or first thing in the morning.

What can help

A wrist splint. A splint keeps your wrist straight, which NHS Fife says lowers the pressure in the tunnel. NHS services suggest wearing it at night, and NHS Fife says you can also wear it during activities that bring on your symptoms. University Hospital Southampton says splints are available at pharmacies. NHS 111 Wales says you may need to wear one for at least 6 weeks before you start to feel better.
Raising your hands. Prop your forearm and hand up on a pillow or a rolled-up towel when you’re resting, to help reduce swelling.
Easing off. NHS Fife suggests cutting down on positions that make your symptoms worse, such as ironing and driving, and on repetitive tasks such as typing or writing.
Cold, not hot. NHS Fife says to avoid putting your hands in hot water, because this can increase swelling. University Hospital Southampton suggests a small ice pack on your wrist for 10 minutes, or running your wrist under a cold tap.
Hand exercises. NHS 111 Wales says there’s a small amount of evidence that hand exercises help. University Hospital Southampton suggests touching each finger to your thumb to make an O shape, bending your wrist up and down, and making a fist then straightening your fingers, doing each one 10 times.

Pain relief. NHS Fife says to speak to your GP or pharmacist about medicine that may help the pain but is safe to take in pregnancy. Don’t take painkillers without checking first.

After the birth

NHS Fife says most symptoms go within 3 weeks to 3 months of your baby’s birth. University Hospital Southampton says they tend to go within the first few weeks. If your symptoms carry on after the birth, contact your GP.

When to see a GP or physiotherapist

NHS 111 Wales says to see a GP if your symptoms are getting worse or not going away, or if treatment at home isn’t working. Some NHS hospitals have a women’s health or pelvic health physiotherapy team that helps with carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy. Ask your midwife or GP whether you can see a physiotherapist.

Swelling that needs checking

NHS Best Start in Life says swollen hands and feet in pregnancy are probably harmless and caused by water retention, but to mention them to your midwife or doctor so they can check your blood pressure.

Call your midwife or maternity unit straight away if you have sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet. The NHS says this can be a sign of pre-eclampsia, along with a severe headache that doesn’t go away with simple painkillers, vision problems such as blurred vision or flashing lights, pain below your ribs, being sick, or feeling very unwell. The NHS says to call 111 if you can’t reach your maternity unit. See high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia.

Questions people ask

Will it go away after my baby is born?

Usually. NHS Fife says most symptoms go within 3 weeks to 3 months of the birth. If they carry on, contact your GP.

Where can I get a wrist splint?

University Hospital Southampton says wrist splints are available at pharmacies.

Why is it worse at night?

NHS 111 Wales says symptoms are usually worse at night. Wearing a wrist splint at night and propping your hand up on a pillow may help.

Can I take painkillers?

Speak to your GP or pharmacist first. NHS Fife says they can advise on medicine that is safe to take in pregnancy.