I am feeling unusual numbness in my hands while sleeping during pregnancy.
Introduction
The physical sensation of not being able to feel your hands while sleeping during pregnancy and an uncomfortable and distressing numbness are common problems for many soon-to-be moms and their families.
This persistent problem, often referred to as CTS, can interfere with rest and create a major complication for work-related tasks.
There are causes and tests that can help reduce pain during pregnancy, so let us make the pregnancy journey easier in this article.
Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS).
The median nerve is the one that comes from the forearm and then passes through the palm of the hand.
Therefore, carpal tunnel syndrome begins when the nerve is pushed to the side or compressed in the wrist.
When pregnant, the body produces hormones, You tend to accumulate more fluids in your body, which increases your body weight.
All of these can compress the median nerve, resulting in symptoms of tingling, numbness, and pain in the hands and fingers.
This raises the question why this happens during pregnancy.
Several factors can cause carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy, or not at all.
The major hormonal changes are related to increased levels of estrogen and progesterone and thus water retention.
This build-up, along with the growing uterus, can cause median nerve compression, which compresses blood vessels and nerves, causing inflammation.
Additionally, weight gain during pregnancy can aggravate arthritis as it puts pressure on the wrists and hands.
During pregnancy, the body's centre of gravity shifts forward, causing frequent changes in posture and hand-wrist weight.
What to do to reduce numbness in the hands during pregnancy.
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be troublesome during pregnancy, but luckily there are some ways to bring things under control and ensure better sleep quality:
Maintain a proper sleeping position.
Avoid sleeping on your hands and wrists, as this may trigger relapses. Secondly, sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees for extra support.
Elevating the affected arm with a cushion or small pillow may also help to release tension on the medial nerve.
Practice arm exercises.
Light stretching and arm exercises can be used to improve blood circulation and reduce pressure on the median nerve.
Instead of bending and spreading your fingers, try making a fist and then opening your hand to reduce stiffness and/or discomfort.
Finally, massage your wrists and palms.
Use a wrist splint.
Wrist splints can help immobilize the wrist and reduce pressure on the median nerve while you sleep.
Wear the splint at night or while doing activities that cause your pain, such as typing or making repetitive hand gestures.
Apply a cold pack.
A good home remedy is to use a cold pack or ice pack for 10 to 15 minutes at a time to reduce swelling, numbness, and pain in the wrists.
Wrap the cold pack in a cloth towel to protect the skin, and do not use the ice for more than 15 minutes to avoid frostbite.
Modify your daily activities.
Try to avoid activities that worsen symptoms, for example, making repetitive hand movements or using vibrating devices for long periods of time.
Take periodic breaks to rest your hands and wrists, Use ergonomic devices to stay away from strain during daily tasks.
Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet.
Drinking plenty of water and eating a diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and protein is likely to aid in the flow of retained fluids in the body, which will potentially reduce the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Conclusion.
A tingling sensation in the hands while sleeping during pregnancy is not as worrying as it may seem and is not a serious problem for some expectant mothers.
By knowing the cause of carpal tunnel during pregnancy and adopting some simple strategies to reduce the discomfort, women can have more pleasant and refreshing sleep.
In cases of severe or prolonged symptoms, one should always consult a healthcare provider to explore more intensive treatment avenues and ensure a safe and successful pregnancy experience.