Carpal tunnel is caused by compression of one of the nerves of the hand by an overlying ligament. Weight gain and water retention reduce the space in which this nerve passes. Hormones of pregnancy may also play a role. If a woman has a history of carpal tunnel, cervical spine compression may contribute to a return of symptoms in pregnancy. New onset of carpal tunnel in pregnancy is generally not caused by spine compression. Symptoms include numbness and tingling and/or pain and stiffness of the thumb, index and middle fingers. 20-50% of pregnant women experience some night time symptoms especially in the third trimester. Symptoms are often worse at night and are precipitated and aggravated by repetitive hand movements such as typing

When to call your midwife or doctor:

·	You have tried the options listed below and you are not better.

Things to try:

·	Nocturnal splinting of the wrist: pick up wrist brace over the counter
·	Use of multiple pillows to sleep to reduce positional compression
·	Cranio-sacral therapy
·	B complex and B-6 (P-5-P) 50mg per day