Numbness & Tingling
Numbness or tingling sensations in hands, feet, legs, or face from nerve compression.
Medically reviewed by healthcare professionals | Last reviewed: March 2026
📅 When It Occurs
Can occur any time, more common third trimester
📊 How Common
Common, especially in hands and feet
Overview
Numbness and tingling sensations (paresthesia) can occur in various parts of your body during pregnancy. You might feel pins and needles, prickling, or loss of sensation in your hands, feet, legs, face, or other areas.
These sensations occur because fluid retention and swelling can compress nerves, and your growing uterus can put pressure on nerves in your pelvis and legs. Carpal tunnel syndrome (hand numbness) and sciatica (leg numbness) are common causes.
While usually harmless, persistent or severe numbness should be evaluated, especially if accompanied by weakness, as it could indicate a more serious problem.
📆 By Trimester
First Trimester
Less common
Second Trimester
May begin to appear
Third Trimester
Most common due to maximum swelling
🔍 What Causes It?
- •Fluid retention causing swelling and nerve compression
- •Carpal tunnel syndrome (wrist and hand)
- •Sciatica (leg and foot)
- •Uterus pressure on pelvic nerves
- •Poor circulation
- •Vitamin B12 deficiency (rare)
- •Sleeping in one position too long
💡 Relief Strategies
- ✓Change positions frequently
- ✓Elevate hands and feet
- ✓Wear wrist splints for carpal tunnel
- ✓Avoid crossing legs when sitting
- ✓Stay hydrated
- ✓Gentle stretching and movement
- ✓Prenatal massage
- ✓Warm compresses
- ✓Sleep with pillow between knees
- ✓Limit salt to 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 →Belly Butter / Stretch-Mark Cream
Rich cocoa-butter moisturizer to keep a growing belly comfortable and hydrated.
Check Price on Amazon →Motivational Water Bottle
Staying hydrated eases many pregnancy aches; a time-marked bottle makes it easy.
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:
- ⚠Sudden numbness on one side of body
- ⚠Numbness with weakness
- ⚠Facial numbness
- ⚠Difficulty speaking or confusion
- ⚠Severe or worsening symptoms
- ⚠Numbness not improving with position changes
- ⚠Numbness with vision changes or severe headache
📅 Explore by Trimester
Learn how this symptom and others change throughout your pregnancy journey: