Carpal tunnel syndrome is usually characterized by a tingling or numbness in the hand and is quite common in pregnant women.

What causes carpal tunnel?

Tingling, numbness, or carpal tunnel is caused by extra pressure applied to a nerve in the wrist. Most cases of non-pregnancy carpal tunnel are associated with overuse of the fingers and hands, but are caused by internal swelling during pregnancy that puts pressure on the nerve known as the median nerve.

Tips for managing carpal tunnel?

Stretching and hand muscle developing exercises can help prevent or manage carpal tunnel. Overuse of fingers and hands can also be a factor, so take a break if you're doing a repetitive task like typing for a long time. If your symptoms are bothering you a lot, your healthcare provider may recommend that you wear a brace, which can help counteract some of the effects. The carpal tunnel that occurs during pregnancy will almost certainly disappear in the months following childbirth.