Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Numbness, tingling, or pain in hands and fingers caused by fluid retention and swelling.
Medically reviewed by healthcare professionals | Last reviewed: March 2026
📅 When It Occurs
Most common third trimester, can begin second trimester
📊 How Common
Affects 25-60% of pregnant women to varying degrees
Overview
Carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy causes numbness, tingling, burning, or pain in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers. It occurs when fluid retention causes swelling in the narrow carpal tunnel passage in your wrist, compressing the median nerve.
About 25-60% of pregnant women experience some carpal tunnel symptoms, typically in the third trimester when fluid retention is greatest. Symptoms often worsen at night and may wake you from sleep.
Pregnancy carpal tunnel usually resolves after delivery once fluid retention decreases. In the meantime, simple strategies can reduce discomfort and prevent symptoms from worsening.
📆 By Trimester
First Trimester
Rare
Second Trimester
May begin to appear
Third Trimester
Most common and severe
🔍 What Causes It?
- •Fluid retention causing swelling in wrist
- •Compression of median nerve in carpal tunnel
- •Weight gain putting pressure on nerves
- •Hormonal changes affecting tissues
- •Repeated hand motions aggravating swelling
💡 Relief Strategies
- ✓Wear wrist splints, especially at night
- ✓Elevate hands above heart when resting
- ✓Avoid sleeping on hands
- ✓Take frequent breaks from repetitive hand motions
- ✓Shake hands and flex fingers frequently
- ✓Apply cold packs to reduce swelling
- ✓Adjust computer keyboard to reduce wrist bending
- ✓Limit salt to reduce fluid retention
- ✓Stay hydrated (counterintuitively helps reduce swelling)
🛍️ Comfort Products That May Help
Comfort and preparation products other expecting parents find helpful at this stage. These are convenience picks, not medical advice — always follow your provider's guidance.
Full-Body Pregnancy Pillow
U-shaped support for side-sleeping that helps take pressure off hips and back.
Check Price on Amazon →Maternity Compression Socks
Gentle graduated compression many moms wear for tired, swollen legs and feet.
Check Price on Amazon →Hospital Bag Robe & Slippers
Cozy robe, socks and slippers to make your hospital stay feel more like home.
Check Price on Amazon →Amazon Associates Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. These recommendations are editorially chosen comfort and preparation products and are not medical advice.
⚠️ When to Call Your Doctor
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- ⚠Severe pain interfering with daily activities
- ⚠Weakness or inability to grip objects
- ⚠Persistent numbness
- ⚠Symptoms not improving with home care
- ⚠Sudden severe swelling of hands
- ⚠Symptoms after delivery (may need treatment)
Related Symptoms
📅 Explore by Trimester
Learn how this symptom and others change throughout your pregnancy journey: