Carpal tunnel

[mychaelelaine]

I have sooo many questions, that's how much I value you guys input! Sorry that I have so many threads going... !

My question now is, with my daughter I had bad carpal tunnel which is actually led me to my doctor. My hands hurt terribly and I needed something. That's when my pcp saw my ankles and noticed my bp was elevated. Anyway, that started around 20 weeks then two weeks later swelling and high bp were present. Carpal tunnel has now reared it's ugly head again. Ouch!! It seems to have skipped a week in comparison to last pregnancy. I asked my Obgyn today if there's any correlation between preeclampsia and carpal tunnel... She said no. I googled of course but it seems so many people had carpal tunnel and eventually had preeclampsia. Any thoughts?

[sam10]

Carpal tunnel is a common pregnancy complaint. What happens is that due to increased fluid during pregnancy, the very narrow passageways in your wrists get compromised. Many women suffer from it during pregnancy. I have had mild carpal tunnel throughout this pregnancy since the 1st trimester. And it freaked me out at first, as I had it severely during my pregnancy with Henry. I could not even straighten my fingers and was completely numb in my fingers starting by 24 weeks. But that was mostly extreme fluid retention. I also asked my doctor and he said the same. Carpal tunnel alone is not a sign of PE, but swelling in your hands can be.

[mychaelelaine]

My doc said the exact same thing. I'll watch for swelling in my hands. It hurts horribly, I'm so sorry it's hit you too! Mines seems to be progressing rapidly.

[sam10]

I went to see an occupational therapist and got wristbands that I wear at night. Have you gotten these? They help somewhat.
If your pain gets too much or if you are not sure, whether it is 'just' carpal tunnel or severe swelling, please go see your doctor to get it checked. My hands don't really hurt all that much. It is mostly just annoying.

[mychaelelaine]

I've been here before... October to be exact, not even a year ago. Trust me, I found out every possible remedy. I ended up getting a steroid inject 2 days before my daughter was delivered. Those wrist bands didn't help. Ice really did. It hasnt gotten that bad yet. It's just carpal tunnel now. Last time, I did have swelling elsewhere, even my eyelids. I'll keep an eye on it. I was just wondering if anyone had read somewhere carpal tunnel is maybe a precursor to pre-e.

[holly3372@msn.com]

Yes,sadly very common during pregnancy and doesn't mean you are going to ger pre-e although like you said alot of women who had pre-e also had carpal tunnel.( just a coincidence of pregnancy) I specialize in prenatal massage and many many of my clients have had it some very severe during their pregnancies. Hang in there

[mychaelelaine]

Thanks holly, I guess it's just a coincidence. I iced last night, that helped!