Carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy is one of the common problems that many pregnant women face. This problem causes symptoms such as numbness, pain and weakness in the hands and affects the quality of a person's life. This disease occurs when the median nerve is compressed while passing through the carpal tunnel, which is a narrow passage in the wrist. The median nerve in the wrist area is responsible for sensation and movement in some fingers, and its compression can cause unpleasant symptoms. What are the symptoms of pregnancy? Common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy are as follows: - feeling of tingling and numbness in the hand - Pain or numbness in the hand - Muscle weakness and difficulty in grasping objects - Burning sensation in the fingers - Sudden pain and fatal shooting from the wrist - spreading pain to the arm or shoulder - swelling in the wrist area These symptoms usually affect the thumb, index and middle finger and may involve one or both wrists. Symptoms may also worsen at night or early in the morning. What is the cause of carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy? The exact cause of this complication in pregnancy has not yet been fully determined; But several factors contribute to this problem: ### Fluid retention Increase in the level of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy increases fluid retention in the body and swelling around the median nerve. ### Pregnancy weight gain Extra weight during pregnancy can increase the pressure on different structures of the body, including the median nerve. ### hormonal changes Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy may cause inflammation and increase nerve sensitivity. ### Genetic factors Some people are more exposed to this syndrome due to their specific bone or genetic structure. ### Repetitive hand and wrist movements Activities such as typing, writing or using the phone for a long time can put more pressure on the wrist. ### Arthritis in the wrist Inflammation of the joints can lead to increased pressure on the median nerve. ### Excessive use of wrist and repetitive hand movements Activities that include continuous and frequent hand movements can lead to irritation and inflammation of the nerve. ### Diabetes People with diabetes are more exposed to nerve damage, which can aggravate the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. How does pregnancy cause carpal tunnel syndrome? Hormonal changes during pregnancy cause fluid accumulation in the body. These hormones also cause the ligaments to soften, including the ligament that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel. The swelling caused by fluid accumulation can reduce the space inside the carpal tunnel and put pressure on the median nerve, which leads to the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy. This problem is usually more common in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and there is a possibility and possibility of its recurrence in subsequent pregnancies or during menopause. Fortunately, in most cases, the symptoms of this disease improve within four weeks after delivery. How is it diagnosed? To diagnose this disease, the doctor first asks about your symptoms and examines your wrist and hand. It also examines other parts of the body, including the neck, to rule out other possible problems. For a more accurate evaluation, a nerve conduction test may be done to determine how fast nerve messages travel through the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. In addition, the doctor will also prescribe other tests such as blood tests to check for other possible diseases. In general, such steps are performed for diagnosis if needed: - Physical examination to check for symptoms such as muscle weakness and numbness in the hands - Tinel's test to tap the median nerve to observe the nerve reaction - Fallen test in the form of bending the wrist for 60 seconds to check the exacerbation of symptoms - Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies in severe cases for a more accurate assessment What treatment method does it have? Some common treatment methods in pregnancy are as follows: ### home remedies - Keep your hands in the right position and raise them if possible. Keeping your hands up helps reduce swelling and inflammation. - Avoid bending the wrist and keep it in a neutral position. - Avoid doing repetitive movements that put a lot of pressure on the wrist. - Avoid lifting heavy objects. - You should not put your wrists under your chin and head while sleeping. - Massage and gentle stretching help increase blood flow and reduce tension in the wrist area. - Using a wrist splint prevents the wrist from bending and reduces the pressure on the median nerve. - To reduce pain and inflammation, you can hold your wrist under cold water for one minute or place an ice pack on your wrist for 5 minutes. To improve blood circulation in the wrist, you can alternately put your hand in a bowl of warm water and then cold water. Keep your hand in each bowl for 30 seconds and repeat this 3 times. This method helps to improve blood flow and reduce swelling caused by carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy. ### Postpartum recommendations After giving birth, the symptoms of this disease will decrease as the hormones are balanced. However, it is better to continue the previous recommendations and gentle exercises. Also pay attention to your sitting position while breastfeeding your baby and support your back by using a pillow. When holding the baby, try to keep the wrists in a neutral position to avoid extra pressure. What methods are there for prevention? To prevent carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy, you can take the following measures: - Changing body position continuously and avoiding staying in one position for a long time - Replacing repetitive activities with varied movements to avoid constant pressure on the wrist - compliance with the principles of ergonomics and regulation of the work environment - Using a suitable table and chair to reduce pressure on the wrist and arm - Exercising and maintaining fitness to strengthen muscles and prevent extra pressure on nerves and joints