Patient's question:
Dear Expert,Hello!
I am 4.5 months pregnant, and recently for the past few days, I've woken up feeling very numb in my right hand.
What could be the reason for this?
Thank you!
Doctor's answer:
Hello: On the flexor side of the human wrist, there is a canal formed by carpal bones and ligaments called the carpal tunnel. The carpal tunnel contains nine tendons and the median nerve passing through it. Under normal conditions, the synovium secretes a moderate amount of lubricating fluid, allowing the tendons to move smoothly within the sheath. During the late stages of pregnancy, due to the continuous increase in estrogen and progesterone, the synovium also secretes more fluid, causing the sheath of each tendon to thicken and expand in volume. Additionally, the carpal tunnel is richly supplied with capillaries, and during the late stages of pregnancy, these vessels and lymphoid tissues exude a large amount of fluid. Furthermore, the carpal tunnel is connected to the forearm and palm, so during the late stages of pregnancy, when the body experiences overall edema and increased tissue pressure, it inevitably affects the interconnected carpal tunnel. When the pressure inside the carpal tunnel increases, it compresses the median nerve, leading to symptoms such as numbness, pain, and reduced grip strength in the hand. These symptoms tend to worsen at night.The treatment for this condition primarily targets the underlying cause. Diuretics are used to reduce fluid retention, and sodium intake is minimized to alleviate or eliminate tissue edema. Additionally, elevating the affected limb can enhance venous and lymphatic, reducing swelling in the affected area. Pain relievers and sedatives may be used appropriately. For severe pain, local anesthetic injections into the carpal tunnel can be administered, which are highly effective. These symptoms usually subside naturally after childbirth without the need for treatment.