Carpal tunnel syndrome may bear it's nasty little head even in the early months of pregnancy. This is a result of increased pressure on the median nerve in your wrist. The increased pressure is a side effect of swollen tissue and increased blood volume that accompany pregnancy. Swelling causes compression of the median nerve and constricts the fibrous bands of the nerve tissue.
Many pregnant women report that the occurence of carpal tunnel syndrome is more prevalent in their left wrist than in their right wrist. This may be due to the fact that pregnant women are often advised to sleep on their left side and therefore some of the blood flow into the left arm is restricted.
The continual pressure builds and eventually inhibits the nerve from its normal expansion which causes some of the following symptoms:
-Wrists may tire or feel pain when using a keyboard
-Sleep interupted by numb tingling sensation in hand and fingers
-Hand may lose dexterity and strength or fumble when performing normal activities
-Sharp shooting sensation experienced in the top of hand or wrist
Treatment
Sleep with your hands free to move, ensure that the weight of your body or head isn't resting upon them during the night. Even though you may sleep predominantly on your left slide shift with small rotations onto your right side.
Although a certain amount of swelling is unavoidable, follow practices that reduce edema as instructed in the article below on swollen feet and hands in pregnancy.
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