Hands and splinting

Why hands and wrists flare in pregnancy

Fluid retention and hormonal changes make carpal tunnel syndrome common in pregnancy: tingling, numbness, or aching in the thumb, index, and middle fingers, often worse at night. Inflammatory arthritis can also affect the small joints of the hand. The reassuring part is that pregnancy-related carpal tunnel usually settles after birth.

What helps

• Keep the wrist straight (neutral), especially at night, when we tend to curl the wrists under.
• A wrist splint, worn mainly at night, holds the wrist neutral and often eases the tingling. An OT can fit one and show you how to use it.
• Take breaks from gripping, typing, and phone-scrolling, and shake out and stretch the hands regularly.
• Built-up grips and lighter tools reduce the strain on sore finger joints.

Using a splint well

• Wear it as advised, often at night and during aggravating tasks, rather than around the clock, so the muscles stay active.
• It should feel supportive, not tight or numbing; loosen it if the fingers tingle or go cold.
• Keep the skin clean and dry underneath.

Gentle hand exercises

Kept within comfort, gentle movement keeps the hands supple. Your team can tailor these to you, but common ones include slowly making a loose fist and then opening the fingers wide, touching the thumb to each fingertip in turn, and gently bending the wrist up and down. Move smoothly, stop short of pain, and do a little and often rather than long sessions.

When to seek help

Contact your team if numbness is constant, if the hand feels weak or you are dropping things, or if symptoms are not settling. These can usually be helped, and an OT can tailor a splint and a technique plan to you.