1st time pregnancy question?

Question

My whole left arm is completely numb. I am a teacher and it is to the point where I am having a hard time holding anything in that hand as well as typing. My doctor told me that this is pregnancy induced carpal tunnel syndrome and told me that I need to see a neurologist. I wasn't having any pain initially, just complete numbness and tingling all the way up to my shoulder but now I am starting to have excrutiating pain. What can I do to try to relieve the pain? What do you think that the doctor can do?

Please help me... I hurt badly!

Answer 1

First, I'm so sorry that you're going through this. I'm pregnant too and I know how hard it is to have these strange symptoms pop up and not be able to do much about them.

Carpal tunnel during pregnancy is due to the fluid retention and bloating that happens. It puts pressure on the nerves in your wrist. The doctor probably wants you to go to the neurologist to confirm that it is Carpal Tunnel (they can do a nerve study to confirm) and that there's nothing else going on, which is a great idea. In terms of relief, Tylenol is safe to take as directed during pregnancy. It's pretty much the first-line pain killer. They can give you heavier, more narcotic meds, but I would stay away from those. They can also inject cortisone into the area. The doctor should be able to give you exercises/physical therapy to strengthen the muscles and take some of the pressure off your wrists and/or give you a brace to wear. I know a few people where wearing the brace while sleeping made a huge difference, and this is obviously not harmful to your baby in any way.

Good luck - I hope you get relief soon.

Answer 2

For mild carpal tunnel you can try oral pain relievers/anti inflammatories and wearing a wrist support/splint. These techniques worked for me and I had the numbing, tingling and mild to moderate pain.

Physical therapy and special exercises can help, as well as vigorously shaking your arm when it's numb or putting it in warm or hot water for relief.

If these conservative treatments don't help, the next step might be to get injections of cortisone. In severe cases, a simple surgery may be necessary to relieve the pressure on your median nerve.

Answer 3

What I did was got one of those wrist supports, took Tylenol and took and hot bath with my arm completely submerged. It seemed to help alot and I didn't have to waste the money on another doctor.

Answer 4

to help you type maybe try to buy the bandage that goes on your hand tight you'll find it in any pharmacy. my mother-in-law used to have it and she is handicapped in wheelchair so she uses her hand alot to turn wheels etc. and till today she looking for a good one. ask your pharmacist what support bandage is the best i hope i've helped a bit.