PEAK WEEK
Week 32 β’ Third Trimester
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome at Week 32
Numbness, tingling in hands and fingers
π Third Trimester Overview
Common - 25% experience it, fluid retentionεpressing nerves
π What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome at Week 32?
- β’Fluid retentionεpressing median nerve
- β’Swelling in wrist
- β’Hormones affecting tissues
- β’Repetitive hand motions
- β’Sleeping position compressing wrist
β Normal Signs
- βNumbness in thumb/fingers
- βTingling in hands
- βWorse at night
- βBoth hands affected
- βWeakness gripping
β Concerning Signs
- β Severe pain
- β Complete numbness
- β Inability to use hand
- β Symptoms not improving postpartum
π Relief Strategies
- βWear wrist splints at night
- βShake hands to relieve numbness
- βAvoid sleeping on hands
- βElevate hands
- βAvoid repetitive motions
- βTake breaks from typing
- βApply cold packs
- βHand/wrist exercises
π₯ When to Call Your Doctor
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- β Severe pain
- β Complete loss of sensation
- β Unable to use hand
- β Symptoms interfering with activities
- β Sudden onset