Excessive skin under the chin, fat ankles and chubby cheeks aren't the only byproducts of water retention during pregnancy. Extra fluid can also lead to repetitive strain illnesses (RSIs), a group of ailments that can be an annoying – if not disabling – nuisance for expectant moms. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a painful problem that 28 percent of pregnant women have to endure.

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, traveling through the "tunnel" of the wrist bones, is compressed by the flexor tendons which also run through the carpal tunnel. The nerve responds to this compression by sending back pain signals, and by not carrying normal information, which provides sensation to the hand. All ages can be affected by CTS, although most cases occur between the ages of 29 and 62.

Although highly repetitive wrist movements appear to be correlated with the development of carpal tunnel syndrome, other factors, such as medical conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease and pregnancy, may be even more important.

The following is a list of signs and symptoms about which pregnant women need to be cognizant:

• Tingling or numbness in part of the hand (thumb, index, middle or ring fingers)
• Sharp pains that shoot from the wrist up the arm
• Burning sensations in the fingers
• Morning stiffness or cramping of hands
• Thumb weakness
• Frequently dropping objects
• Waking at night with hand pain and numbness
• Numbness in hand while driving

The diagnosis of carpal tunnel is suggested by the symptoms listed above. However, not everyone with these symptoms has this condition. Other conditions which cause these symptoms include arthritis or disc disease in the vertebrae of the neck, general problems with peripheral nerves and a compression syndrome of the median nerve closer to the spinal cord than the wrist.

The definitive diagnostic procedure is a study of the nerve as it goes through the wrist, called a nerve conduction study (NCS). This study will detect over 90 percent of persons with carpal tunnel. However, some people with normal tests will still have carpal tunnel. The history and physical exam is strongly suggestive of CTS and the nerve conduction study tends to confirm the diagnosis and quantify the severity of the nerve compression.

Once carpal tunnel is determined, there are a variety of treatments. Splinting serves as the cornerstone of treatment for pregnancy-induced CTS. Studies have shown that resting the fingers, hand and wrist in a neutral position is the most effective way to reduce pressure in the carpal tunnel.

Content on this site is not a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice, diagnosis or treatment, and may not be used for such purposes. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical question or condition. Reliance on information presented on this site is at your own risk. This site contains the opinions and views of other users. Given the interactive nature of this site, we cannot endorse, guarantee, or be responsible for the accuracy, efficacy, or veracity of any content generated by our users.