Pins and Needles Feeling That Won't Go Away

[Iamhappy2BAmom]

This might be related to the swelling discussion I started a few weeks ago. But just in case I thought I'd open another thread. My arms have been going numb during sleep on a consistent painful basis the last few nights now. And unfortunately the sensation does not go away even after hours of being up an moving around. So it definitely does not go away if I wake up and I shift to the other side. In fact I seem to be maintaining that lack of circulation feeling in my hands all through out the day. It seems to only affect my hands and arms right now (*knock on wood*) though and more so my right than my left. The swelling is up- probably b/c it's getting warmer over here and my joint feel like they hurt. Anyway, I guess I will call the doctor to inquire but I wanted to check in with you guys to see if any of you have that numbness issue as well going on also.

yup it sure is heating up now in California. It's hitting the 70's (I used to think 70's were comfortable sometimes cool- now I think it's hot!)

Thanks!

[Therese's Mommy]

You could have a pinched nerve or something like that. I have had that happen before, where my pinky finger will feel numb or have pins and needles all day. I don't know much, but perhaps the swelling is causing the pinched nerve or the fact that you are most likely not too mobile in bed anymore and are lying in one position longer than you would usually. Just a thought.

Beth

[Ks Mama]

I would definitely give the doc a call... it may be something simple, but may be indicative of something more serious? I don't know. My hands/arms do tend to fall asleep at night too, but go away when I get up to use the bathroom/shift to the other side for sleeping.

Perhaps sleeping more upright might help you? Do you have a recliner?

[OTMomma]

If your dr doesn't have any insight, I would try a chiropractor- perhaps something is out of place- a pinched nerve like the a pp mentioned. You could also try doing some yoga stretches..... and applying cold or hot packs to your upper spine, shoulders or wrists (the nerves to your hands of course pass through all those points, so at this moment I am not sure which to recommend without knowing more). If you have a history of carple tunnle- it can act up in pregnancy and cause those symptoms....

[torio]

I have the same problem as have many of my friends when they were pregnant. Carpal tunnel syndrome is common among pregnant women (which can cause discomfort and numbness) as is minor pinching of nerves (especially from sleeping in the same position too long--I tend to sleep propped up a bit and I know it aggravates my neck where the nerves get pinched.) and both of these are exacerbated by the swelling that's common in late pregnancy.

What to do--

1) immerse yourself in water whether it's the tub or better yet swim. It helps redistribute water from the tissues back into the blood.

2) drink plenty of water, consume adequate protein and get enough salt

3) alfalfa tablets help

4) I've found massage to help get rid of the tingling and bring feeling back into my hand and arm

good luck.

[awallrising]

Sounds like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Like the PP, it sounds like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome due to water retention (swollen tissue from excess water is pressing on the nerve that runs through a tunnel in your inner wrist). Although CTS is typically associated with repetitive strain injury, it can also be caused by the reason I just mentioned. The pain can also occur in the arms esp. if you are lying on your side a lot. The arm pain isn't CTS but it's probably related.

I've been dealing with it for months now & it's really annoying, sometimes wakes me up at night. A few of my fingers are semi-permanently numb & are always tingling. I was assured by both my MWs & Chiro that it will go away once I give birth & I lose some excess water.

My MW prescribed 20-30 drops of Black Haw 3x/day to reduce the inflammation. Some chiros will treat it too. Wearing the wrist braces designed for CTS (you can get them at any pharmacy) may help too b/c they keep your wrist immobilized & reduce any strain on the nerve that is being irritated. Although 2 braces cost about $50 total & at this point it may not be worth it for you to buy. I don't always wear mine now b/c they don't help 100% & get a bit annoying. If you already see a chiro, it's worth mentioning to him/her.

Just another lovely side-effect of pregnancy. Hang in there.

[Iamhappy2BAmom]

Yeah- it's probably CTS. My older sister said she had it during both her pregnancies and they seemed to have disappeared 3 months after she gave birth. I did a assume that I had to be constantly typing to get it but I guess being asleep when your pregnant can make it hurt as well. It did feel a little better after I went for a swim today. *I hate it when I do slow laps on the pool- more like doggie paddling* and guys give me dirty looks like I'm taking up pool space.* I even have some guy always trying to squeeze in the same lane I'm swimming in trying to edge me out. Unbelievable! I'll wait for a lane to open up for my turn why can't they. They never try to do that to the fast lap swimmers who most of the time go over their 30 minute time limit. So much for a relaxing swim. Anyway- enough griping. Thank God for the grannies who step in when insensitive dude tries to argue with me.

[awallrising]

You definitely don't have to be typing (or the like) all the time. It has happened to most Moms I know. Yikes! I hope it doesn't take 3 mths though. I can't wait for it to go away, it really drives me nuts.

[chinaKat]

Another vote for carpal tunnel here. Had it bad with pregnancy #1. Luckily haven't had it this time around (yet...)

If it makes you feel any better, it went away like magic after DD was born. But it was a drag when I was trying to sleep, I definitely remember that.