Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

I had an intense, shooting pain, sudden dagger-like hand cramp in my right hand! wow, did that hurt. I am not sure if I pinched a nerve by sleeping 'wrong' while camping, but apparently, carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy is quite common and affects as many as 20% of pregnant women. Some possible modes of relief are simply shaking hands hey ya' style, positioning hands above head, limiting salty foods, taking a diuretic (ask your doc!), massage, rest, and vitamin B6 supplements.

What it is: Numbness, a "pins-and-needles" sensation, or aching in the hands and wrists, especially noticeable at night.

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome: Pregnancy swelling puts pressure on a key nerve in the wrists and causes the same aching and tingling symptoms most often associated with ergonomic strain and repetitive motion. (Of course, if you're pregnant and having ergonomic strain or doing repetitive motion, you're twice as likely to experience it.)