Expectant Mothers And Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Author: Shannon Miller

As if leg cramps, heartburn, morning sickness and backaches aren’t enough expectant mothers have one more thing to be concerned about.

It appears that pregnant women and individuals who work at computers for the better part of a day have at least one thing in common: they can both be at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome.

That includes facebook time ladies.

For expectant mothers, the cause appears to be connected to the inflammation and extra fluid build-up that is common during pregnancy; when these two things happen in the wrist, carpal tunnel syndrome can be the result.  If you are feeling persistent discomfort in your hands and fingers, you should consult your healthcare provider to ensure that what you are experiencing is indeed carpal tunnel syndrome.

There is a lot to keep up with while you’re pregnant, but the good news is that the more you know, the more you can be prepared!

As with most health issues, prevention is more optimal than treatment.

In an article on pregnancytoday.com, Dr. William Hagberg suggests ways in which you can reduce your risk of developing carpal tunnel: 1

  • Take it with a grain of salt. Limiting salt intake can keep the body from retaining excess fluid.
  • Break time! Particularly if you work at a computer for several hours through-out the day, make sure you are giving yourself (and your wrists) plenty of breaks.
  • Switch it up! If you have to engage in repetitive tasks, try to switch them up so that you are not continuously putting pressure on the same sore areas.
TIP:  Remember, the more you know about what can harm your health, the more you can be in control!
Another TIP:  If you’re interested in stretches that are easy to do at the office or at home check out Shannon Miller Stretching To-Go or Shannon Miller Fit Pregnancy!
1 Hagberg, William, Dr.  “Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Pregnancy”,  Pregnancy Today, 20 Nov 2010.
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