Circulation problem?

[Spring Sun]

Is anyone having trouble with their circulation?

About a week ago (at week 28), my arms started falling asleep in the early am before I actually woke up for the day. I have no choice but to switch sides every half hour or so bc of my hips, but now if I lay on my left side for even a minute my whole arm and hand fall asleep.

Is this normal? Will exersize help? I need to get some kind of friggin sleep! :

As a side note, I still love being pregnant!

[wombatclay]

Carpal tunnel problems are pretty common in pregnancy. With my first I had braces that I'd wear while sleeping (talk with a care provider, but you can find them in any pharmacy or store like Target)... they keep the wrist in a neutral position during sleep and cut down on the swelling/"falling asleep" sensation. I didn't use them with my second pregnancy but probably should have. This time round I've had some numbness/tingling but have been putting off loking for the braces.

[Spring Sun]

Originally Posted by wombatclay

Carpal tunnel problems are pretty common in pregnancy. With my first I had braces that I'd wear while sleeping (talk with a care provider, but you can find them in any pharmacy or store like Target)... they keep the wrist in a neutral position during sleep and cut down on the swelling/"falling asleep" sensation. I didn't use them with my second pregnancy but probably should have. This time round I've had some numbness/tingling but have been putting off loking for the braces.

Do you think that is what it is? My arm falls asleep all the way up through my shoulder... Even sitting here right now my hands feel like they are a little asleep.

[wombatclay]

It could be... with dd1 my job involved a lot of keyboard time and I had a lot of swelling so the tingling/numb/pins and needles feeling sort of came and went all day but was a lot worse in the morning. Often so bad I couldn't "feel" my arms or move them when I first woke up and then they were really painful as circulation resumed.

With dd2 it never got that bad, but I was able to pick and choose my work assignments a bit more at that point and I had a lot less swelling. I really only had problems when I woke up. During the day I'd do wrist exercises (like those wrist circles and bends you see on "exercise at your desk" sites) but it just didn't get bad enough for me to find the braces (which I found really annoying but effective enough with dd1 to be worth it).

This time it's again just when I wake up or if I've been sort of bending my wrists at an odd angle for a while (like resting my chin on my hand or something like that).

If it's happening while you're up and active though... maybe ask at your next checkup? Is there anything in photography that would lead to carpal tunnel concerns? Do you habitually carry heavy equipent over your shoulder (like a bag strap), or do your hands get worn out during a shoot (from repetitive movements)? There is some general info about pregnancy carpal tunnel here and here...

[Spring Sun]

Thanks! My hands only hurt when I do weddings heavy lenses and flashes) but it could be more from the editing at the computer. I also get arthritis bc of crohn's disease, so I am used to the feeling in my hands, jsut not so strong, you know? I emailed my midwife to ask. I am starting to feel dizzy today as well.

[Spring Sun]

Anyone else? I can hardly sleep anymore bc my arms fall asleep the second I roll over onto them...

[Koalamom]

I am having this but with my legs. I hate it. I usually take magnesium, but recently ran out. I just ordered some online yesterday, so I have to deal with it till it arrives. For me it isn't always numbness, but heaviness. Not fun. Good thing I am not having any leg cramps this pregnancy. Last one I had them all the time.

Are you taking any magnesium? I do take a good quality calcium supplement, but find that the magnesium levels are too low for a pregnant woman.

[Spring Sun]

I do have some cal-mag-do you know how much I should be taking and how often?

[leighann79]

You might try the chiropractor also. That's helped me out a lot.

[Koalamom]

Originally Posted by Spring Sun

I do have some cal-mag-do you know how much I should be taking and how often?

I am not sure what other sources of digestible calcium or magnesium yo are getting, but for myself, I dowse to find out what vitamins I need. Some people muscle test to find out. Are you familiar with any of those methods?

[GradysMom]

I've had both the hip pain and numbing.

I sought chiropractics for the hip pain and got double lucky with weekly massages that are covered under chiropractic care!

The numb arms is definately linked to growing breasts... try to get a pillow under them/ between them...

And for me - I realize sleep has to happen so I now occasionally use benedryl, tylenol or both in low dosages to take the edge off and calm my mind...

good luck...
also maybe try one beer at bedtime.... (which I used after L&Dgave me a script for FLEXERILE for braxton hicks...)