Wrist and hand pain in pregnancy: carpal tunnel and more
Tingling, numb or aching hands are a surprisingly common part of pregnancy, often in the second and third trimesters. The usual cause is carpal tunnel syndrome. After the baby arrives, a different wrist problem often takes over.
Why do my hands go numb in pregnancy?
Fluid retention in pregnancy increases pressure inside the carpal tunnel, a narrow passage at the wrist that carries the median nerve. Pressure on that nerve causes tingling, numbness or burning in the thumb, index finger, middle finger and part of the ring finger. Hormonal changes may also play a part.
How common is carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy?
Very common. A systematic review found clinically diagnosed carpal tunnel syndrome in 31% to 62% of pregnant women, and nerve-test-confirmed carpal tunnel syndrome in 7% to 43%, with the variation depending on how it was measured (Padua et al., Muscle & Nerve, 2010).
What are the symptoms?
Tingling or numbness in the thumb and first fingers, often both hands, typically worse at night and on waking. Many women wake and shake their hands to get relief. There may be aching in the wrist and forearm, and some clumsiness or weakness of grip.
Does it go away after the baby is born?
For many women it improves after birth as fluid settles, but not always quickly. The same review found symptoms persisted in more than half of women a year after delivery and in about a third after three years. So it's worth managing well rather than simply waiting.
What helps carpal tunnel in pregnancy?
A wrist splint worn at night, which keeps the wrist straight, is the main first step and is safe in pregnancy. Avoid sleeping with your wrists bent. Elevate your hands and do gentle finger and wrist movements in the morning. Reduce prolonged gripping and bent-wrist positions during the day. Your GP can discuss an injection if symptoms are severe.
What exercises help?
Gentle tendon and nerve gliding exercises: making a fist, then straightening the fingers, then bending at the knuckles, and gentle wrist movements. These should be comfortable; if they increase tingling, back off.
See our post on nerve gliding exercises.
Can it be something other than carpal tunnel?
Tingling in the little and ring fingers suggests the ulnar nerve at the elbow instead. Neck problems can also cause hand symptoms.
See our post on carpal tunnel vs cubital tunnel.
Why does my wrist hurt after having a baby?
Pain at the base of the thumb and thumb side of the wrist, worse when lifting the baby, is usually De Quervain's tenosynovitis. A recent analysis found that a splint combined with a corticosteroid injection ranked best among conservative treatments, though the evidence was low certainty (Cuenca-Zaldívar et al., Journal of Hand Therapy, 2026). Changing how you lift the baby helps a lot.
See our post on De Quervain's in new parents.
Is it safe to have treatment while pregnant?
Splints, exercises, activity changes and gentle hands-on treatment to the neck, shoulder and forearm are all safe in pregnancy. Medication and injections should be discussed with your GP or obstetrician.
When should hand symptoms be checked urgently?
Contact your maternity care provider promptly for sudden swelling of the hands and face, severe headache, vision changes or upper abdominal pain, which can be signs of pre-eclampsia. Call 000 for sudden weakness or numbness of one side of the face or body, or difficulty speaking.
When should I see someone about carpal tunnel?
See your GP or book in for constant numbness, weakness or dropping things, symptoms that stop you sleeping, or symptoms that continue for more than a few months after the birth.
Can I keep using my phone and computer?
Yes, with breaks. Keep your wrists close to straight when typing, use a mouse that fits your hand, and avoid holding the phone with a bent wrist for long periods. Voice-to-text can help when symptoms are bad.
Does reducing salt or fluid help?
Cutting back fluid isn't recommended in pregnancy. Gentle hand movement, elevating your hands and avoiding tight rings or watches can help with swelling. Mention significant swelling to your midwife.
Will breastfeeding make it worse?
Some women find feeding positions aggravate hand symptoms. Support your baby's weight with pillows rather than your wrists, and change positions regularly.
Can I keep exercising?
Yes. Choose exercises that keep your wrists fairly straight, such as push-ups on fists or handles, and avoid long periods of weight-bearing on bent wrists, for example in some yoga or pilates positions, if they aggravate symptoms.
How can an osteopath help?
We confirm the likely cause, check the neck, shoulder and elbow, advise on splinting, sleeping and feeding positions, and treat the surrounding areas gently. We work alongside your midwife and GP.
See our pregnancy osteopathy page and our post on rib and upper back pain in pregnancy. Book an assessment at our Berwick clinic. A 60-minute initial consultation is $149, with no referral needed and HICAPS on-site.
Sources
Padua L, et al. Systematic review of pregnancy-related carpal tunnel syndrome. Muscle & Nerve, 2010.
Book an initial consultation at RISE Sports & Spinal in Berwick. Clear diagnosis, hands-on treatment, and a plan that actually gets you better.
Related articles
