Numbness and / or tingling in hands and fingers

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes numbness, tingling, and sometimes pain in the hand and fingers. It happens when a nerve called the median nerve is squeezed as it passes through the wrist. During pregnancy, changes in hormones and extra fluid in the body can make this nerve more likely to be compressed, especially in the third trimester.

Symptoms often include tingling or numbness in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger. These feelings may be worse at night or when using your hands. Some people also notice weakness or trouble gripping objects.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is common in pregnancy, but most cases are mild. The good news is that symptoms usually go away after the baby is born.

If symptoms are bothersome, simple treatments can help:

1) Wearing a wrist splint, especially at night, is often the first step. The splint keeps your wrist straight and relieves pressure on the nerve.  You do not need to wear the splint during the day unless your symptoms are severe.

Recommended Splint Types

• Rigid volar-assisted splints: Feature a metal or polyform bar to prevent flexion/extension and side-to-side movement while allowing finger mobility; effective for nighttime use and proven to improve symptoms, grip strength, and functionality in pregnant women.​

• Elastic wrist splints: Provide compression with some movement allowance; comparable efficacy to rigid splints in reducing pain/edema and boosting grip strength, often preferred for daytime comfort and daily activities.​

Usage Guidelines

• Wear primarily at night or during aggravating activities; intermittent daytime use if symptoms persist, with "DayTimer" designs for minimal interference.​

• Both types show similar outcomes in late-trimester CTS, with elastic splints sometimes offering greater symptom relief; select based on patient comfort, compliance, and lifestyle.​

• Symptoms often resolve postpartum (up to 76-93% resolution by 1 month); combine with activity modification for best results.​

2) If splinting does not help, a doctor may suggest a steroid injection into the wrist, which can reduce swelling and improve symptoms. 

Medicines like ibuprofen or acetaminophen are not proven to help with carpal tunnel syndrome. Surgery is rarely needed during pregnancy, but may be considered if symptoms are very severe or do not improve after delivery.

Most women with carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy recover fully, either with simple treatments or after giving birth. If you have ongoing numbness, weakness, or trouble using your hand, talk to us for further advice.