36 Weeks with Tingling Fingers and Wrist Pain.....

Updated on June 01, 2008
M.H. asks from Kansas City, MO
38 answers

I am about 36 weeks pregnant and have had pain in my wrists for about 3/4 weeks, then my hands started to fall asleep during the night, and now I have tingly (asleep) fingers and hands all day, everyday. I am assuming this is pretty normal as I have been retaining alot of fluids for the past 3/4 weeks (swelling feet and fingers). I am just wondering if anyone has experienced this and found any relief. My fingers are almost numb which makes it hard to do anything and the pain radiates into my hands and up my arms now, especially in the morning. I go to the doctor on thursday, but I just wanted to see if anyone had any ideas for relief- it is hard enough to sleep with the giant belly!!!!

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

Thanks to everyone for your advice!!!! I did mention this to the Doctor at my visit last week. My blood pressure is great, but I have put on a lot of fluid weight in the last few weeks which is probably what is causing the compression on the nerves in my wrists. So, I will just have to try to live with it and ease it as much as I can over the next few weeks. Have been trying to keep arms and legs elevated, resting alot, and avoiding salty foods. Thanks again ladies, i love this site!

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.F.

answers from Wichita on

I have this but it is neck degeneration. I noticed it in my pregnancy so there might be a connection. Find a good chiropractor and they will help you without medication.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.B.

answers from Columbia on

Hi M.,
First of all, congratulations!
I had this condition once prior to pregnancy. When I would cross my legs, talk on the phone, anything elevating a limb or even laying flat on the bed, both hands and feet would easily go numb or get tingly.
I had all kinds of Dr.'s look at me and they came up with nothing...at least until I went to a chiropractor. With a few adjustments to my neck, the condition went away. A pinched nerve was the cause...wish I knew that before I spent the $ on all those Dr.'s visits and lab tests. Live, learn, pass it along!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.B.

answers from Kansas City on

Yes it is carpal tunnel due to the swelling. I looked like a goof and wore braces to bed. they were better than being awakened with my whole arm completely numb and tingly. Mine went away after my daughter was born.

1 mom found this helpful

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.L.

answers from St. Louis on

weight gain and pregancy can trigger CT Carpal tunnel. you can see your Dr to see. There is a simple non invasive procedure they can do to tell. They tap on certain parts of your wrist and then if there are signs then a more intense procedure called a nerve conduction study. I dont think they will do while your prgnant.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.S.

answers from Kansas City on

This happened to me...I developed carpal tunnel due to the swelling and pressure on the median nerve. It went away after the baby was born, thankfully.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.C.

answers from St. Louis on

I had that too. I have a slight case of carpal tunnel in my right wrist anyway, but while I was pregnant it aggravated it. I also developed tendonitis in the right wrist/hand. Then it started to occur in the left.

I HAD to sleep with a body pillow, while on my left side, partially due to acid reflux and partially because I could lay my right arm/wrist/hand flat and even. I also got a brace for my right wrist from my doctor to sleep in. That helped alot. I was going to get one for the left too, but it never seemed to get bad enough where I felt that I needed it.

Talk to your doctor ASAP, so you can get some sleep!!

Congratulations and Best Wishes!!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.D.

answers from Topeka on

Do mentioned this to your Dr. and in the mean time lay only on left side don't lay flat on your back,this causes your body to lay on nerves and bloodvessels that can cause complication's the aorta I belives that leads to your heart.I czn't remember exactly but if you have a book lokk it up and it might say mine did and so did the dr.I had restless leg syndrome when I was pregnant with y first son it was awful but what really helped was pelvic tilt's it put the baby in a different postion and I was able to regain feeling and less tingling in my leg's and feet,You'll have to do this if it help's you all day long off and on of course till you are comfortable and before bed time.And the most important is to stay hydrated drink up and lay off soda it'll make it worse.I'm a wsahm of 2 kid's and love being with them all day everyday

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

Y.B.

answers from Kansas City on

You need to sleep with your leg & feet elevated & LOTS of pillows....I use to sleep with five when I was pregnant> Good luck & God Bless!

1 mom found this helpful

D.H.

answers from Kansas City on

I had the same thing with my first pregnancy and it is carpal tunnel. I had it due to high blood pressure and the retaining of water that comes with it. I ended up with toxemia. Watch your salt and msg intake. Talk to your doctor. I wore wrist braces and that seemed to help. Good Luck and God Bless.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.C.

answers from Kansas City on

M.,
I had the same thing. It is totally normal, yet so uncomfortable. It should get better after you have your baby.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.H.

answers from Kansas City on

M., sounds like a pinched nerve somewhere in your back. Check with your doctor or chiropractor you trust.
Swelling, cut back on your sodium intake. Read everything you are eating. Hidden sodium is the cause for many women during pregnancy and low water intake. My daughter experienced this and had open wounds on her leg due to the skin being stretched beyone its capacity. Be careful and take care of you and the babe to be.

Blessings,
M.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.J.

answers from St. Louis on

Hi M.,
I experienced this with my first pregnancy, and it was carpel tunnel associated w/ pregnancy. I went to the store and bought wrist braces (they had a metal piece on the inside of your wrist - covered of course) and slept in them. That helped and I didn't need to wear them during the day. If yours is worse, you may need to wear them during the day, at least for awhile. I hope the pain goes away...but you're almost done!
Congrats,
R.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.S.

answers from Columbia on

I am a massage therapist, sounds like you have something pinching a nerve in your neck. Get an adjustment and a massage it should be better. I have two kids, never had that with my pregnancys... though after sleeping wrong or a car accident, have experienced similar numbness and tingling.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.K.

answers from Wichita on

When I start having bad circulation and my arms and legs fall asleep I take B-Complex (a vitamin). It’s just a vitamin but I would ask your doctor if you could take it. Good luck. Hope you feel better!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

V.C.

answers from St. Louis on

I developed a carpoaltunnel (Sorry I know I spelled that wrong! I still have problems with my wrists. I would let your doctor know, but I had a lot of friends who had the same issues.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.F.

answers from St. Louis on

Hi, M.. My name is M.. I read your piece and I am urging you to call your doctor now and tell them what is going on. You could have high blood pressure or toxema or pre-eclampia. Which are all bad. My sister was hospitalized immediately and I delivered early because of it. On your blood presure reading (example: 120/80) The bottom number was my problem. It is not to get high during pregnancy. Please check to be sure that your blood pressure is not over 130/90 or 140/90. And I drink Noni juice and take my vitamens and drink lots of water. Good luck.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.F.

answers from Topeka on

M.:

I would lay on your left hand side, and put your feet up. Sounds like the baby is laying on a nerve, and when you lay on your left hand side this will help, it did me!!!! It will also help with water retention...make sure to drink plenty of water as well.

Good luck with your first pregancy, so much joy ahead of you!

C. Freeman
Tupperware/785/969 3866

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.S.

answers from Kansas City on

A lot of people have already identified for you that it is carpal tunnel syndrome. I also had this, only mine hit after the baby was born, so be prepared that it may not go away immediately. I was also advised to wear the wrist/arm braces. A family member who suffers from carpal tunnel has been told by her doctor that if you have the numbness and tingling it may also be related to the way you sleep, if you keep your hands balled into fists at night. If you can keep from doing this without the wrist braces you might find relief that way.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.M.

answers from Kansas City on

I had this during my pregnancy for over half of it! What I was told was that the swelling in my wrist pressed on my carpal tunnel nerve causing the tingling. I was told to prop my arm up above my heart durning the day when sitting on couch etc and then lay on my left side and keep a pillow tucked under my arms as much as possible. I know how frustrating it was. I couldn't hardly write and I was still working full time up until 37wks. I hope this helps but it doesnt sound like you have too much time to go!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.U.

answers from Kansas City on

M., Talk to your OB doctor ASAP. It could be a blood pressure issue PIH (pregnancy induced hypertention), it could be related to swelling, and or carpal tunnel. Either way, it's safer to see your doctor to be sure. Monitor your blood pressure, any changes in reflexes, swelling, protein in urine. Good Luck!
www.stephanieuhde.myctmh.com month of June buy 2 stamps get 1 free for scrapbooking or card making.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.B.

answers from St. Louis on

M.,

I had the exact same thing! My doctor said that it was because of fluid retention putting pressure on nerves. But, I am sorry to say that there wasn't much that I found to help it. My doctors nurse recommended staying off my feet as much as possible and drinking plenty of water. It did help a little, but not a lot. Mine did go away about 3 weeks after I delivered, once all of the swelling was gone. Sorry I couldn't help more, but maybe it will give you some reassurance that this is normal!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.V.

answers from St. Louis on

A friend of mine developed carpal tunnel syndrome while pregnant. It resolved itself, but you may want to ask your OB.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.K.

answers from Lawrence on

you might consider getting a brace for your wrist. i had similar issues actually after. my primary doc gave me one. it really helped. and it might be that it is resolved after you deliver, but you will be doing a lot of lifting with the car seat etc. so it could flare up too. 4 weeks is too long to live in pain!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.R.

answers from Topeka on

I would HIGHLY recommend telling your Dr. about this!!!
Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.T.

answers from St. Louis on

You most definitely have Carpal Tunnel. I had it with both of my pregnancies. It is a pain but you will be happy to know that soon after your baby is born it will all of a sudden be gone. I had to wear wrist braces on both arms for the 3rd trimester. I will tell you this though, because of wearing those I had little to no strength in my lower arms for a short time after it was gone.

Good luck with everything,
M.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.Z.

answers from Topeka on

My midwife told me that it is a nerve in your shoulder near your neck that gets pinched as your joints loosen up and shift. I had my husband give me massages and made sure to change the position of my arms every time I woke up at night. That really helped me.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.B.

answers from Springfield on

This happens to me now and I am not pregnant and they believe it is the muscles squeezing the blood vessels and nerves together when they move. But when my stepmom was pregnant with my brother her carpal tunnel acted up really bad and it affected her the same way, so it could be either. When it happens to me I hand my hand down and kind of shake it to get the blood moving again, not sure if this will help or not. I haven't seen a specialist as of yet about it because I haven't had the time but this has been happening since 1998, I have just learned how to work either it.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.S.

answers from Memphis on

I'd' definately have your blood pressure taken at the Dr. I had toxemia with my 1st pregnancy-extremely high blood pressure. The symptoms were severe swelling in hands and feet. I ended up delivering 3 weeks early because of it. The numb fingers could be related to the excess fluid retention.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.F.

answers from Kansas City on

mine was not carpel tunnel, it was the way i sleep! i started sleeping almost sitting up. it helped a lot. Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.T.

answers from Lawrence on

I went through this with our third pregnancy and yes it is normal. if you read in the pregnancy books it can tell you how to help with this. i know that i did not have it as bad with my first two pregnancies but with this last one it was bad. the doctor told me to watch my sodium intake and make sure not to drink pop or anything but water and no more than 96 ounces a day. check with you doctor on what he wants you to intake but most tell you to watch what you eat and to take in more water than anything else. this is always the safe rule of thumb. also eat lots of vegatables fresh and fresh fruit because they don't contain much sodium unlike processed foods such as your canned foods, boxed foods, butter, oil, juice,coffee and so on. try making your food from stratch I know this can be hard but it is worth it in the long run because you don't want toxicemia or high blood pressure. do get worried stay relaxed pamper yourself and love your body. congrats on the pregnancy and good luck. if you need more ideas on the numbness or tingling you can email me and I will get you the information my doctor did and how to sleep better.

1 mom found this helpful

A.S.

answers from Kansas City on

I had this with my pregnancy too. It's very common for women to develop carpal tunnel (or for carpal tunnel to get worse) during pregnancy, due to swelling and retaining fluids. Unfortunately, the only cure is delivery. Do tell your doctor though at your next appointment.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.J.

answers from St. Louis on

I experienced this 11 years ago. I worked in a factory assebling parts and had to use my hand. So I ended up going and getting a cortizone shot to help me out.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.B.

answers from St. Louis on

You have carpel tunnel. I had it really bad my 4th pregnancy and it doesn't always go away after the baby is born. Mine didn't and I had to go have the shots.

For now, see a chiropractor and he can help and also wear the wrist guards as much as you can to stabilize the wrists. Wear them at night too.

Good Luck !! Tell your doctor about it, and if it doesn't go away after the birth, get the shots. Mine was gone 1 week after the shots. I was so scared that I was going to drop the baby because my fingers were numb and I was losing feeling in my hands. I had this for 3 months of my pregnancy!! Hopefully yours will go away after delivery.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.R.

answers from Wichita on

Carpal tunnel syndrome is common in pregnancy,the pressure from the extra fluid causes numbness, tingling, burning, and/or pain. Try to avoid sleeping on your hands at night, which can make the problem worse. When numbness occurs, hang the hand over the side of the bed and shake it vigorously may relieve it. Often wearing a wrist splint and taking Vitamin B6 daily is helpful. Some people have gotten relief from acupuncture. The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids usually prescribed for carpal tunnel aren't recommended during pregnancy. I've also known people who put their hands in icy water to decrease the inflammation, you just have to grin and bear it for about 5-10 minutes in the icy water.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.O.

answers from St. Louis on

Hi M.. I also had this pg carpal tunnel - and it really hurt at the end. The downfall for me was that I had it the first two months after the baby was here. Unfortunately, nothing you can do about it.

Hang in there!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.O.

answers from Kansas City on

Hello M.. I am a single mother of an (almost) 5 year old daughter. My sister and I were pregnant at exactly the same time with our first daughters. We both experienced what you are experiencing. Our doctor (we had the same) told us that it was Pregnancy induced Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. And that, unfortunately, it wouldn't go away until the baby was born. He was right. It did go away. He did suggest wearing a supportive wrist brace that you would wear with a regular case of Carpal Tunnel. It helps to keep that "tunnel" open where your nerves run through your hands. I was only bothered with this in one hand but my sister had it in both. I do understand your frustration because it is very hard to be big & pregnant and not be able to feel your fingers. My sister had since had another child and had the same problem again. You may check with your doctor to see what he/she thinks. Good thing is-you don't have much longer to go. Good luck!
A. O
Mom of a very beautiful little girl!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.M.

answers from Topeka on

Hi M., I had similar problems in the last months of my pregnancy (many years ago) - especially pain and lack of control in my hands first thing in the morning. I discovered by accident that soaking my hands in a sink full of hot water really helped. I did a lot of dishes during those weeks! God bless!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.H.

answers from St. Louis on

Hi M., this happened to me also. It was so bad that I actually had dreams about dropping the baby. I am a Chef, so carpal tunnel is a common ailment of my profession anyway. Although it comes and goes now (12 yrs later) I do remember that it stopped after my son was born. Try propping yourself up on the pillows more, and whatever you do don't sleep on your hands. Good Luck with the new baby!!

1 mom found this helpful
For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches