Is this normal? Hand/ joint discomfort.

EveKing79 · July 2011

I'm just over 33 weeks, and in the past few days, I've been experiencing some discomfort-almost a numbness or stiffness, and an ache in my hands, wrists and fingers. I am a painter and also do a fair amount of writing during the day, so it's very noticeable. I have heard that your feet may swell during pregnancy, but I haven't noticed that yet (I'm still wearing closed-toe high heels whenever I go out). I don't *see* any visible swelling in my fingers or hands. I don't know whether weight gain has anything to do with it, but although my weight gain has been coming on faster as I get closer to my due date, I haven't gained excessively- I'm at about 17-18 pounds up from my pre-pregnancy weight (at 33 weeks).

It has been relatively hot & humid here, and I'm home for the summer (I'm a teacher) without A/C except in the bedroom. Maybe that could be a factor? I don't feel particularly hot or uncomfortable throughout the day, though.

Anyone else experience this?

pettycrocker · July 2011

Yes, sounds like the start of carpal tunnel. I've had it pretty bad since around then (33wkish) You can get the wrist braces to wear at night if it gets really bad (wrist pain/ numbness) beyond that though, there is really not much you can do for it during pregnancy.

Also it should go away after delivery.

EveKing79 · July 2011

Yikes, I didn't know carpal tunnel could come along with pregnancy. Thanks, I'll have to ask my midwife about it during my appointment this week. At least it should go away after delivery! Only 7 more weeks...

Oneday82 · July 2011

Yup, I think it's normal...or at least I hope so! My shoulders ache at night when I lay on my side and whichever side I lay on causes that arm and hand to get tingly and go numb. Also, I crochet and when I do that now my arm/ hand goes numb- such a pain!

jenniep19 · July 2011

The tips of my fingers have been tingly since about week 32, and when I wake up in the morning or the middle of the night my knuckles are stiff and painful. My arms/wrists aren't even visibly swollen but I guess its enough to cause problems. The good news is although it was annoying it didn't get any worse--I'm 40 weeks tomorrow and looking forward to the end of all these annoying pregnancy symptoms.

Oct08b2bee · July 2011

My hands have been numb for about 3 weeks now. It gets worse every day. It's very frustrating but my OB says it's carpal tunnel and will go away after delivery.

alabaster_angel · July 2011

My midwives suggested sleeping with the wrist splints on that you can buy at most pharmacies/drug stores.

ejagk · July 2011

Unfortunately, my carpal tunnel syndrome has been flaring up for the past 2-3 months of my pregnancy. I've had it for years due to playing the violin and sleep with wrist braces to keep my wrists straight, but I haven't had the flare-ups be this bad since I was first diagnosed. I'd recommend getting the braces to wear- you can find them at Walmart, Target, or pretty much any drugstore. I got mine at Walmart for $15 each- I wear them at night and I can sleep without my hands waking me up from the pain and tingling. Good luck!!

lmp76 · July 2011

Yes! I have it really bad! Im 32 weeks. I have to ice my hands and feet. Wearing wrist splints/supports at night and that does help! I feel like my joints have aged 20 years...lol...

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Is this normal? Hand/ joint discomfort.

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