From the Research
Pregnancy can cause carpal tunnel syndrome due to hormonal changes and fluid retention that occur during this time, with the incidence ranging from 0.8% to 70% depending on the diagnostic method and physician, as reported in a study published in Harefuah in 2014 1. The increased fluid leads to swelling in the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway in the wrist, which puts pressure on the median nerve, resulting in symptoms like numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and fingers. Some key factors that predispose pregnant women to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms include hormonal fluctuations, fluid accumulation with tendency to edemas, nerve hypersensitivity, and glucose level fluctuations, as noted in a review published in Polish orthopedics and traumatology in 2013 2. This condition typically appears in the second or third trimester when fluid retention is highest, and treatment during pregnancy usually involves conservative approaches such as:
- Wrist splinting (especially at night)
- Hand elevation
- Gentle stretching exercises Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be used if approved by an obstetrician, and avoiding repetitive hand movements and taking frequent breaks from activities that aggravate symptoms can also help. The good news is that pregnancy-related carpal tunnel syndrome typically resolves within a few weeks to months after delivery as hormone levels normalize and fluid retention decreases, with a study published in Muscle & nerve in 2007 finding that 50% of pregnant women had tolerable CTS symptoms and 85% did not require further treatment 3 years after diagnosis 3. If symptoms persist beyond three months postpartum, consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended for further evaluation and treatment options, which may include physical therapy or electrophysical modalities, as discussed in a systematic review published in Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation in 2018 4.