Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

CTS can be caused by typing.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common pregnancy symptom that results from the excess fluid you retain in your body when you are pregnant. Basically, what causes swollen ankles during your pregnancy can also cause CTS.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the tingling and numbness you may be feeling in your hands, wrists and fingers. This tingling and numbness can sometimes spread to your forearms and upper arms and can be accompanied by some slight pain or a dull ache in your hands, wrists and fingers. Most of the symptoms of CTS are sporadic and tend to be worse during the night. In severe or chronic cases of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome your hands may feel weak or clumsy, almost like they’re made of jelly.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome usually begins or becomes more noticeable during the second half of your pregnancy when you retain more fluid. This excess fluid causes your hands and wrists to swell and become inflamed, which puts pressure on the nerve in your wrist which links to your thumb and fingers. Fortunately, like most pregnancy symptoms CTS should gradually subside after birth and your hands and wrists will go back to normal.

If you already have a case of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, pregnancy will probably exacerbate it. Also, if you play an instrument or do a job that requires a lot of typing you are at a greater risk for CTS as these activities are already associated with many cases of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

How can I manage my Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?