Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, but it certainly throws some curveballs. Many moms-to-be notice tingling, prickling, or even full-on numbness in their fingers and hands. What’s behind this hand and finger numbness during pregnancy, and more importantly, how can you ease it?
Chiropractic care can be a game-changer, helping to reduce nerve pressure and inflammation while restoring balance to the body.
Here’s how you can tackle those pesky symptoms and reclaim comfort throughout your pregnancy.
What you will learn:
- Why hand and finger numbness happen during pregnancy.
- How to recognize the signs of pregnancy-related hand numbness.
- How chiropractic care can help.
Why Numbness in the Hands Happens During Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings a whirlwind of changes. From hormonal shifts to swelling, your body is working overtime to grow new life. Numbness in fingers in pregnancy often stems from these changes, affecting nerves and circulation in surprising ways.
Nerve Compression
One of the biggest culprits behind the numbness of hands in pregnancy is nerve compression. As your body changes, nerves—especially those running through your wrists and arms—can get pinched or squished, leading to that familiar “pins and needles” feeling.
Swelling
Swelling during pregnancy is no joke. Increased fluid retention can squeeze nerves and restrict blood flow, causing numbness of fingers during pregnancy. The tiny spaces in your wrists where nerves pass can get narrower, especially in the carpal tunnel area.
Posture Changes
Pregnancy shifts your center of gravity, causing posture adjustments that can put extra pressure on your neck, shoulders, and arms. This can irritate nerves traveling down your arms, resulting in numbness or tingling sensations.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Pregnancy
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is surprisingly common among pregnant women. CTS happens when the median nerve in the wrist gets compressed, often due to swelling or repetitive wrist motions. Symptoms? Numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger.
5 Signs of Hand and Finger Numbness
Not sure if what you’re feeling counts as numbness in your hands during pregnancy? It can be tricky to tell, especially when pregnancy comes with so many changes. But these five signs are pretty reliable clues that numbness or nerve irritation is at play:
- Tingling or Pins and Needles Feeling
That “falling asleep” sensation, like when your foot goes numb if you sit too long? It’s often described as tingling or pins and needles, usually in your fingers or hands. This happens because nerves aren’t getting the blood flow or space they need. If you notice this feeling creeping in, especially after resting or at night, it’s a common early warning sign. - Loss of Grip Strength or Clumsiness
Have you dropped your phone a few times or struggled to open a jar? When nerves are compressed, your hand muscles might not respond as quickly or strongly as usual. This can make your grip weaker or your fingers feel clumsy, even if it’s just temporary. It’s easy to shrug off, but it’s worth paying attention to. - Numbness or Decreased Sensation
Actual numbness is more than just tingling—it’s when you feel reduced or no sensation in part of your hand or fingertips. You might find it hard to feel textures or temperatures, making everyday tasks like buttoning clothes or holding a cup more difficult. - Pain or Discomfort That Worsens at Night or With Wrist Movement
You might feel an aching, burning, or sharp pain in your hand, wrist, or forearm. This discomfort often gets worse at night, sometimes waking you up, or when you bend or flex your wrist during the day. This pattern is typical in conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, which is common in pregnancy. - Swelling or Stiffness in Fingers or Wrists
Swelling can make your fingers feel tight, stiff, or puffy. Sometimes this swelling squeezes the nerves in your wrist or hand, worsening numbness and discomfort. You might notice rings feeling tighter or your hands looking a bit puffier, especially later in the day.
Targeted Chiropractic Relief for Hand and Arm Numbness
Chiropractic care isn’t just for your back. When it comes to numbness of fingers in pregnancy, skilled chiropractors can provide targeted treatments that ease nerve pressure and improve function, without drugs or invasive procedures.
Restoring Wrist and Spinal Alignment to Reduce Nerve Pressure
Misalignments in your spine or wrists can pinch nerves and add to numbness in your hand during pregnancy. Gentle chiropractic adjustments help realign these areas, allowing nerves to flow freely and reducing discomfort.
Reducing Inflammation Around Nerves Through Gentle Adjustments
Inflammation narrows nerve pathways and worsens symptoms. Chiropractic techniques focus on calming inflammation by improving joint mobility and encouraging natural healing responses—perfect for a body already working hard.
Techniques Tailored for the Pregnant Body
Pregnancy requires special care. Our chiropractors are trained in prenatal care and use safe, modified techniques designed to accommodate your growing belly and shifting anatomy while still delivering effective relief.
Improving Circulation and Nerve Function Naturally
Better alignment and reduced swelling can boost circulation and nerve signaling to your hands and fingers. This means less numbness and more sensation, helping you stay connected to your body during pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is numbness in the hand while pregnant normal?
A: Yes, many pregnant women experience numbness due to swelling, nerve compression, and posture changes.
Q: Can chiropractic care help with numbness of fingers during pregnancy?
A: Absolutely. Chiropractors use gentle, pregnancy-safe techniques to reduce nerve pressure and inflammation.
Q: When should I see a doctor for numbness in my fingers during pregnancy?
A: If numbness is severe, persistent, or accompanied by pain or weakness, consult your healthcare provider.
Q: How can I prevent carpal tunnel syndrome while pregnant?
A: Take frequent breaks from repetitive hand movements, practice wrist stretches, and maintain good posture.
Q: Are chiropractic adjustments safe during pregnancy?
A: Yes, when performed by trained prenatal chiropractors, adjustments are safe and beneficial.
Empower Your Pregnancy Journey With Chiropractic Relief!
Don’t let the numbness in your hand during pregnancy hold you back. Chiropractic care can be a gentle, natural way to soothe symptoms and keep you feeling like yourself. With a focus on comfort and safety, it’s a great tool to add to your pregnancy wellness plan.
The chiropractic team at Bergen Chiropractic and Sports Rehabilitation Center follows the highest medical standards to provide superior care in a warm, welcoming environment. Let us help you find relief and enjoy your pregnancy journey to the fullest!
Access our contact form or call us at (201) 357-6539 to learn more about our chiropractic care services! Our offices at 532 Anderson Avenue, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010, and 62 Summit Ave, Hackensack, NJ 07601, are ready to welcome you as we proudly serve the areas of New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, PA, and Baltimore, MD. Also, access our blog, Facebook, and Instagram pages for more information on chiropractic care during pregnancy!
