Owee...carpal tunnel in pregnancy!

Over the last few weeks I've woken up with mild pain in my hands and an inability to make a fist early in the morning. It made it awkward to brush my teeth holding the toothbrush with two hands. It always gets better after I get upright out of bed and as the day goes on. My right (dominant) hand has been worse than my left, so I've been sleeping with a wrist brace on. It has helped a bit.

But the last couple weeks have been worse. Likely because I have started working and using my hands much more. Last night I was so tired after work and my shower that I went to bed without my brace and woke up this morning with horrible pain in both hands (right more than left). My fingers on my right hand were tingling/numb, but also on fire, and the pain radiated up to my elbows...I'm guessing this sensation is similar to the peripheral neuropathy that diabetics experience. I would rate the pain at about 6 out of 10. I'm glad Aaron hadn't left for work yet, because I couldn't even grasp the Tylenol bottle tight enough to open it for a dose. Since he left for work, I've been sitting on the couch with my right arm propped up on a pillow, and it's getting better-ish. I'm typing this with  only my left hand and the middle finger of my right hand, which is much more than I could have done an hour ago.

I am definitely not going to forget my brace before bed anymore! I think I'll probably buy a left wrist brace today. I hope this doesn't worsen and interfere with work. And I definitely hope that I won't have to start sleeping with my arms propped up in the armchair in our room instead of the bed. This had better go away after I deliver the baby, I don't think I could stand early morning diaper changes if this continues. I've heard that a very slim percentage of people who get carpal tunnel in pregnancy continue to have it long after they deliver, sometimes needing steroid injections or surgery to relieve it. Ouch.

Otherwise, baby's doing well. Kicking and punching away, even when I thought she would be lulled by the motion of all the walking I do at work. I got really excited/worked up yesterday when getting a patient ready for an emergent c-section, and I could feel baby enjoying the adrenaline rush, too!

Our next appointment is Monday afternoon, if I don't post Sunday, I'll post Monday night. Have a blessed Good Friday and Easter weekend, everybody!