Women in the last months of pregnancy face various health issues such as back pain, constipation, and hand numbness. Hand numbness during pregnancy is not a serious issue for the health of the mother and the fetus; however, it does have a significant impact on the pregnant woman’s life.
1. Hand Numbness During Pregnancy
As the pregnancy approaches its final stage, the mother’s body undergoes numerous changes related to weight, body shape, and lifestyle habits… Among these, hand numbness is one of the common conditions.
Hand numbness in the last month of pregnancy feels like thousands of needles pricking the hands, causing pain, restlessness, and discomfort. Initially, the numbness starts in the ring and thumb fingers, followed by the middle finger. The intensity and severity gradually increase, with the first sensation being numbness, similar to being bitten by ants at the fingertips. In more severe cases, there can be a burning sensation and pain radiating down the arm.
Typically, hand numbness during pregnancy lasts for a short time and may resolve on its own. However, if the condition persists for 3-4 months, accompanied by pain and discomfort, the pregnant woman should seek medical advice to manage the issue promptly.
2. Causes of Hand Numbness During Pregnancy
Hand numbness in the last month of pregnancy is caused by compression in the wrist area, preventing proper blood flow. The limbs, fingertips, and nerves are also excessively compressed, causing the pregnant woman to experience numbness and pain. The causes of hand numbness during the last month of pregnancy include:
2.1 Weight Gain
Pregnant women who gain weight too quickly often face numbness in their hands due to blood vessels being compressed and poor circulation. To improve this condition, pregnant women can gently massage their fingers to alleviate symptoms.
2.2 Vitamin and Mineral Deficiency
The nutritional needs during pregnancy are significant to ensure the health of the mother and the development of the fetus. If pregnant women lack vitamins and minerals, especially folic acid, magnesium, calcium, B1, and B2, it can lead to deficiencies in the body, reduced immunity, and poor blood circulation, causing numbness in the fingers and joints.
2.3 Pregnant Women with Underlying Conditions
Numbness during pregnancy occurs more frequently in pregnant women with conditions such as:
- Gestational diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol…
- Dehydration causes local accumulation of lactate products.
- Anemia, low blood sugar.
- Nervous system disorders…
2.4 Due to Lack of Exercise:
Additionally, the development of the fetus puts pressure on the lower body’s arteries, hindering blood circulation throughout the body.
Moreover, being in the later months of pregnancy makes it difficult for mothers to move around. Peripheral areas of the body, such as hands and feet, do not receive as much blood as when active, making symptoms of numbness more common.
3. Ways to reduce hand numbness in the last month of pregnancy
- Supplement with vitamins and minerals: Calcium 800-1000mg/day; Folic acid 400mcg/day; Vitamin A 800 mcg/day; Vitamin D 10mcg/day; Vitamin B2 1.4 mg/day; Vitamin C 80mg/day, Zinc 15mg/day… Eggs, milk, green vegetables, grains, nuts, fruits… are sources of essential vitamins and minerals for pregnant women.
- Use a soft bed and arrange several pillows to help pregnant mothers feel comfortable when changing positions and ensure safety for the fetus.
- Engage in light exercise such as walking, stretching exercises for the waist, arms, and legs. Pregnant mothers can refer to yoga exercises for pregnant women, which will help improve blood circulation, increase flexibility, and reduce joint stiffness.
- Change positions: Little movement is one of the causes of hand numbness during pregnancy. Therefore, to reduce symptoms, pregnant mothers should limit standing still or sleeping in one position. Instead, they should lie on their left side, frequently change positions, and elevate their legs while sleeping to reduce numbness and swelling. Massaging the palms and soaking hands and feet in warm water will significantly alleviate hand numbness in the last month of pregnancy.
