Pregnant women often experience tingling in the wrists and fingers? It could be a symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome or carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Don't worry, pregnant women, because in the right way, this condition can be handled.
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) or carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes the hand to become weak and difficult to move. CTS is more prone to attack pregnant women, especially those who do a lot of activities with their hands, such as typing on a computer.
Reasons why pregnant women are more prone to carpal tunnel syndrome
Pregnant women are susceptible to CTS because of hormonal changes that cause the body to have excess fluid (edema). The excess fluid can seep through the body's tissues and put pressure on the nerves in the wrist. This can then trigger CTS.
Pregnant women who are overweight or have gestational diabetes have a greater risk of developing CTS.
Symptoms of CTS include:
- tingling.
- Hands become stiff and difficult to move.
- Pain in the wrist and forearm.
- There is a sensation of heat in the hands and arms.
- Numbness of the thumb, index finger and middle finger.
- Swollen fingers and wrists.
- Difficulty grasping or doing activities with the hands, such as buttoning a shirt.
How to Overcome Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
CTS usually occurs in the second and third trimester of pregnancy. There are several ways that can be done to relieve CTS, namely:
1. Do hand exercises
The first way that pregnant women can do to reduce tingling is to do hand exercises. The trick, move the wrist up and down 10 times. After that, make a fist position 10 times. Finally, make the letter 'O' by placing each finger on the thumb in turn.
2. Hand massage
Pregnant women can also ask the closest person for help to massage their wrists, arms, and back. This is useful for reducing pain and tingling that pregnant women feel.
3. Hand compress with ice cubes
Pregnant women can compress the tingling hands using ice cubes wrapped in a cloth or thin towel for 10 minutes. In addition, pregnant women can also soak their hands in cold water and warm water alternately, one minute in cold water and one minute in warm water. Do this for about 5-6 minutes.
4. Take a break
When feeling tingling, pregnant women should take a break from the activities they are doing. If possible, place your hands on the pillow. For pregnant women who work using computers, try using a small pillow to support your hands.
When sleeping at night, pregnant women can also support their hands using a pillow or rolled up towel. In addition, avoid sleeping with your hands supporting your head, pregnant women.
5. Do yoga
According to research, doing yoga is proven to reduce pain due to tingling. In addition, doing yoga is also beneficial for making your wrists stronger.
Pregnant women can also prevent ship passage syndrome by eating foods rich in vitamin B6, such as spinach, carrots, potatoes, avocados, bananas, and bread. In addition, drinking lots of water and eating fruits and vegetables regularly can also be used for pregnant women to prevent CTS.
Generally, carpal tunnel syndrome or CTS experienced by pregnant women will heal by itself after delivery. However, if the symptoms of CTS are very disturbing or occur continuously even after the baby is born, you should immediately consult a doctor so that treatment can be given.
