Carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy is tingling, numbness or pain in the hand caused by pressure on the median nerve at the wrist. Fluid build-up in pregnancy can squeeze the nerve, so symptoms are most common in the third trimester and are often worse at night. It usually settles after birth, and a night-time wrist splint helps many women.
Also known as pregnancy-related carpal tunnel syndrome, CTS in pregnancy, tingling hands in pregnancy
Symptoms
- Tingling or pins and needles in the thumb, index and middle fingers
- Numbness in the hand, often in both hands
- Aching or pain in the fingers, hand, wrist or forearm
- Symptoms that wake you at night
- A weaker grip or dropping things
Causes and risk factors
- Fluid retention and swelling in pregnancy increasing pressure in the wrist
- Hormonal changes affecting the tissues around the nerve
- Higher body weight
- Repeated gripping or bending of the wrist
- Diabetes, including gestational diabetes
What the evidence says helps
- NHS advice is to wear a wrist splint at night to keep the wrist straight. It may take up to six weeks to notice a difference.1
- A recent systematic review found that night splinting improved symptoms in mild to moderate pregnancy-related carpal tunnel syndrome, particularly alongside nerve and tendon gliding exercises, though the evidence is low certainty.4
- In older studies of pregnant women, most improved with simple conservative care such as splinting, and only a small number needed surgery.56
- Symptoms often ease after the baby is born, but they can last into breastfeeding or beyond for some women, so ongoing symptoms are worth getting checked.16
- Steroid injections are sometimes considered for severe symptoms that do not respond to splinting. Evidence in pregnancy is limited, so this is a decision to make with your GP or a hand specialist.4
Things you can try at home
- Wear a wrist splint at night to keep your wrist in a neutral position
- Cut down on tasks that involve repeated gripping or bending the wrist
- Take regular breaks from typing or phone use and shake out your hands
- Raise your hands on a pillow at night if they feel swollen
- Keep your wrists straight rather than bent when holding your phone or baby
When to get urgent help
Contact your GP urgently, call NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency if you have:
- Sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet, especially with headache, vision problems or pain under the ribs: call your maternity unit straight away (or NHS 111)
- Constant numbness or a weak hand that is getting worse: see your GP promptly
- Sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm or leg, or slurred speech: call 999
- Hand pain with a hot, red, swollen wrist and fever: contact your GP or NHS 111 the same day
How Apollo can help
We can assess your hands, wrists, neck and upper back to check where symptoms are coming from, explain what is happening, and advise on splinting, hand use and simple nerve and tendon gliding exercises. Hands-on care for the neck, shoulders and upper limb may be used where appropriate. If symptoms are severe, constant or not settling, we will advise you to see your GP for further assessment.
No GP referral needed. Clinics in Sheringham, Coltishall and Norwich.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
Will carpal tunnel go away after pregnancy?
For many women, symptoms improve in the weeks after birth. Some people still have symptoms during breastfeeding or for longer, so see your GP if they do not settle.
Why are my hands numb at night in pregnancy?
Fluid shifts while you sleep and bending your wrists in bed can increase pressure on the nerve at the wrist. A night splint that keeps the wrist straight often helps.
Can I wear a wrist splint while pregnant?
Yes. A wrist splint is a simple, drug-free option and is recommended in NHS advice for carpal tunnel syndrome. Splints are available from pharmacies, and both rigid and softer splints can help.
References
- NHS (n.d.). Carpal tunnel syndrome. NHS website. View source
- de Oliveira GAD, et al. (2019). Carpal tunnel syndrome during the third trimester of pregnancy: prevalence and risk factors. Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics. View source
- Bland J (2023). Carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy. Muscle & Nerve. View source
- Kumari O, et al. (2026). Conservative management of carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy and lactation: a systematic review of mixed study designs. Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma. View source
- Ekman-Ordeberg G, et al. (1987). Carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy: a prospective study. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica. View source
- Stolp-Smith KA, et al. (1998). Carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy: frequency, severity, and prognosis. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. View source
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for medical advice. If you are worried about your symptoms, speak to your GP or a registered healthcare professional. Content prepared from the sources above, November 2026.
