Numbness During Pregnancy

As mentioned, almost all expecting mother's experience numbness. They can feel their fingers going numb, which is again accompanied by tingling or a pins and needles feeling, to make the symptom worse. As bothersome this condition can be, it is to be known that it disappears on its own after the childbirth. So there is nothing much to worry about, unless the symptoms do not persist even after the delivery. However, being abreast of the factors which causes numbness during pregnancy, may provide help in dealing with the symptom before it takes on a worse form.

What Causes of Numbness in Pregnant Women?

The main cause of pregnant women experiencing numbness in fingers, what according to experts say, is carpal tunnel syndrome. While this condition is generally caused by repetitive movements performed with the hand, it is also a common side effect of pregnancy. What happens is, during pregnancy, the carpal tunnel (a passageway in the wrist through which nerves and the flexor muscles of the hands pass) swell and this is what causes numbness.

Now coming to the condition of numbness in feet, the sciatica nerve is associated with it. This nerve runs down the lower back area right to the back of the legs and feet. Now what happens in pregnancy is that this very nerve may get inflamed or injured.

Accompanying Symptoms

As you may have understood, numbness isn't a condition in itself, but a symptom of other conditions like the carpal tunnel syndrome and sciatica. Now this symptom may be accompanied by some other kinds, which may make the condition worse. These symptoms could be tingling sensation which may occur at various places in the body, but mostly felt at the digits. A burning sensation may also be reported.

Treatment

Numbness during early pregnancy may not be as pronounced as what sets in the second trimester. Although this symptom is a self-resolving one and disappears post delivery, mothers are still recommended to follow certain measures which would help them to reduce the intensity of numbness and other symptoms accompanying it. One of the recommendations is to follow exercises for carpal tunnel syndrome. Flexing the fingers frequently and going for short walks, help to ease off the pressure on the nerves thus, reducing the numbness. Also, while sleeping, it is a good idea to prop the hands on pillows, and so is taking up yoga classes. When numbness occurs while sleeping at night, hanging the affected hand over the side of the bed, aids in returning circulation. One should avoid sleeping on one's side, as the body may exert pressure on the hand, aggravating the condition further. While working at the computer, an ergonomic keyboard is a better choice. Rolling the shoulders also helps.

Numbness in expecting women, as said is a common symptom, but also a self-resolving one. Mothers are advised to get medical help if the symptom persists even after the delivery. They may have to use certain medications such as pain relieving anti-inflammatory medicines to deal with the condition. Cortisol injections are helpful to manage severe cases. However, if there is an occurrence of numbness in face during pregnancy, then there might be something more serious than what may appear. So if any such thing sets in, a doctor's visit would be the wise decision to take.