Is numbness of the hands in pregnancy a cause for concern?

Causes of numbness of the hands during pregnancy

Usually, hand numbness is caused by damage to the central or peripheral nervous system. They can also be caused by pressure on a nerve. Another cause is degenerative changes in the spine, especially the cervical or thoracic spine. Numbness also occurs when you remain in an unnatural position for a long time, for example, with your arms raised or stretched out in front of your body. Expectant mothers often complain of this condition. One of the more common causes is carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is usually caused by repetitive hand movements, such as at work. Working at a computer for hours on end and typing every day can also cause this condition. People who play sports are also at risk for developing paresthesia because injuries to the upper limbs, especially the wrists, can occur more easily. During pregnancy, carpal tunnel syndrome is much more common starting in the second trimester, as a woman’s body begins to retain water during this time. Unlike the disease, which is due to an injury or occupational disease, the unpleasant symptoms usually disappear after birth.

Hand numbness during pregnancy and carpal tunnel syndrome

The carpal tunnel is essentially a canal made up of the bones of the wrist. Within this narrow and inflexible structure is the median nerve. Its compression is the cause of the aforementioned hand numbness during pregnancy. The causes of the symptoms are swelling and pressure caused by fluid retention. In the early stages, the symptoms are only numbness and tingling, but if the pressure on the nerve continues or increases, there may be a burning sensation and even a dull ache that spreads to the fingers and wrist, and in advanced cases may even radiate to the arm.

Other causes of nocturnal numbness of the hands during pregnancy

Carpal tunnel syndrome is not the only reason for the complaints that expectant mothers complain about. Numbness in the hands is sometimes also a result of overloading the spine. A woman’s body begins to prepare for childbirth, but also for breastfeeding the baby. Women gain weight and their breasts grow, causing the spine to bear more weight and shifting the center of gravity. There is increased tension in the chest area, which can cause tingling and pain in the hands.

Sometimes the numbness of the hands is particularly troublesome at night. Sometimes it prevents effective recovery. Then it is due to the posture that many pregnant women adopt – with their wrists folded down. They are then often awakened by an unpleasant tingling sensation in their hands and feel pain when changing positions. For those who have difficulty controlling this habit, it is recommended to wear a wrist orthosis at night. The condition should not be underestimated, as any disturbance of the wrist can lead to the aforementioned carpal tunnel syndrome, which can cause permanent nerve damage if left untreated.

Home remedies for numbness of the hands during pregnancy

If the unpleasant symptoms persist or worsen, it is necessary to consult a specialist. It is also advisable to avoid movements or hand positions that increase the discomfort. For those who cannot refrain from certain activities or who cannot control their sleeping position, wrist guards are a good solution. Many also turn to nutritional supplements, but expectant mothers should consult a professional for this.

Pregnant women need to pay attention to their diet and adequate hydration. It is advisable to eat in a way that does not increase fluid accumulation in the body. Massages and warm baths to improve blood circulation can also provide relief. However, make sure that the water is not too hot. It is also not advisable to cool the body, as this can worsen the numbness. In many cases, relaxation techniques, especially yoga, which teaches the body to take control, provide relief.