Pregnancy and motherhood are ripe with shocking, funny, embarrassing, and insightful moments. All too often we have that "how did I not know that?!" moment. We created the Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me? group in the LilSugar Community for you to share the things you wished somebody had told you, too. cheersdarlin916 shares her startling discovery:
I have been having issues with my forearms and my hands going painfully numb at night and the last couple of nights have been so bad it is causing me to loose sleep. I did some research online and then talked to a nurse at my doctor's office and sure enough I have carpal tunnel syndrome. Just when I think I get past one issue (be it nausea, insomnia, or getting GD under control) something else like this pops up. They tell me that it will likely go away within a month of having my baby but I am not even due for another three months. Good grief.
cheersdarlin916 isn't alone on this one. Studies have shown that one out of four pregnant women complain of the syndrome, usually in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Did you experience it?
We want to hear your shocking pregnancy and motherhood stories. Join our Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me? group over in our LilSugar Community and dish your tales and tips.
Max Mara
I REALLY do NOT see the connection between pregnancy and carpal tunnel syndrome. This is one malady that cannot be blamed on pregnancy, it's all a matter of ergonomics.
1Oh great! Not something I need to hear at 9 weeks pregnant and ready to graduate from a medical transcription program.
2@1. You're wrong. The water retention and swelling during pregnancy can cause extra pressure in the "tunnel" of the wrist bones, leading to carpal tunnel.
3I definitely experienced severe carpal tunnel syndrome in the last couple of months of my pregnancy. My doctor attributed it to the extra water weight and swelling that puts pressure median nerve in the wrist. I wore wrist braces to help with the pressure while I slept and while I worked on the computer. After I had my son and the extra water weight went away, so did the numbness and pain.
4correction..."swelling puts pressure 'on the' median nerve..."
5#1....google carpal tunnel syndrome. It is right there. I never thought it would happen either but #3 comment is correct it has to do with the water retention and swelling during pregnancy.
http://www.medicinenet.com/carpal_tunnel_syndrome/article.htm
What conditions and diseases cause carpal tunnel syndrome?
For most patients, the cause of their carpal tunnel syndrome is unknown. Any condition that exerts pressure on the median nerve at the wrist can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Common conditions that can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome include obesity, pregnancy, hypothyroidism, arthritis, diabetes, and trauma. Tendon inflammation resulting from repetitive work, such as uninterrupted typing, can also cause carpal tunnel symptoms. Carpal tunnel syndrome from repetitive maneuvers has been referred to as one of the repetitive stress injuries. Some rare diseases can cause deposition of abnormal substances in and around the carpal tunnel, leading to nerve irritation. These diseases include amyloidosis, sarcoidosis, multiple myeloma and leukemia.
6This is my 2nd pregnancy with carpal tunnel and I never had symptoms when I wasn't pregnant.
This time around I am experiencing loss of sensation in my fingers. It also feels as if the nerves are shorter than they should be and are being ripped to pieces when I bend my hands or fingers the wrong way. I was told to take some Tylenol, wear the special braces and do a few painful exercises with my hands. This sucks.
7OMG ... I got that!
8I am currently wearing a wrist guard at night to minimize the pain.
I experienced it with my daughter's pregnancy but not
9my son's. Thankfully it went away once baby was born.
I've got it too right now. I wear a wrist guard at night.
10It is not like I enjoy finding out other people are suffering also but it is nice to know that I am not the only one. I have to wear wrist braces at night also and occasionally during the day now also.
11I had severe carpal tunnel with my first pregnancy during the final trimester. I am pregnant with my second now and the carpal tunnel started early this time. I waited until I was in my second trimester and have gotten cortisone shots in both hands. It has made a world of difference. Before the shots I could barely move my right hand and had no strength for lifting objects. If you are suffering from carpal tunnel, ask your OB/GYN about seeing a hand specialist. It is completely safe for the baby and will make your life much easier
12ZOMG!!!! I totally had this, and now four months postpartum... three fingers on my left hand are still a little numb. My biggest problem was that I was finishing my Master's during the last of my pregnancy. With a thesis! Try typing 50+ pages with CT!!
Solutions that were actually helpful: splints at bedtime to keep your wrist straight, frozen water bottles that I placed my wrists on (they were my ONLY saving grace while typing!), and lots of water to keep things moving.
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