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[octolars]

has anyone had this during pregnancy?  After a bit of research I am sure thats what the problem is.  Here is  a link to a website:  http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00007#top

If anyone developed this in later pregnancy did it go away after the baby was born?  I've heard of women getting steroid shots to help.  I don't want to do that for a variety of reasons.

I am a massage therapist and am now unable to work.  :(

  any advice is very appreciated.

[tatangel19]

Holy crap, this is exactly what I have been dealing with. The pain and burning and numbness go all the way to my shoulders sometimes. I have no advice whatsoever, but sometimes it helps to know there are others with the same issues, you know?

[Choaners]

i got it after my daughter was born.  the first three months there is so much picking up and the thumbs really get a work out.  I'd suggest splinting now and continuing with the splint after the baby is born when you pick him/her up during the day. you can get a pre-fab thumb splint (thumb-spica) over the counter at any pharmacy.  it will probably get better over time and you wont' need injections or surgery.  once kiddo is born, NSAIDS work great, but unfortunately not allowed when pregnant.

[lbkw]

I think I got this from breastfeeding my first. Didn't have it with my second. It went away by itself. Sorry it must really interfere with work for you, OP!

[octolars]

Originally Posted by tatangel19 

Holy crap, this is exactly what I have been dealing with. The pain and burning and numbness go all the way to my shoulders sometimes. I have no advice whatsoever, but sometimes it helps to know there are others with the same issues, you know?

it is nice not to be alone!  My midwife said that it is normal during pregnancy and can be caused by swelling.  I know for me its because of too much deep tissue massage!  She said that it will go away shortly after the baby is born.  hopefully i won't have any complications with it after she is here.  I have heard its very common with new moms too.

[tatangel19]

Here's hoping it goes away for us both.

[octolars]

just FYI for anyone else dealing with this... I developed it in both of my hands and when the pain became unbearable, I got a cortisone shot in my right hand only.  My right hand is FINE now, and so is the baby!  Going in on Monday to fix the other one.

I found a ton of other mama websites that said it DIDN'T go away after delivery, in fact it got worse, and I decided not to risk it.  I can't not pick up my baby.

anyway, good luck to anyone else dealing with this, bc it SUCKS!

[cheryllynn]

I had this with my first.  It took many months for it to go away.  I had splints made for both my arms.  My husband had to help me with lifting and lowering my baby.  This did not happen for my 2nd baby, although he came at 36 weeks, so not sure if it would have developed later.  I would take it easy, give your arms a rest, and keep hydrated.

[octolars]

cheryllynn, how long did it take to go away?  was it when you were finished nursing?  that is what I have read.