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from Section 3 - Antepartum (Late Pregnancy)
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 08 April 2025
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a neuropathy of the median nerve that occurs due to compression of the nerve in the carpel tunnel. Pregnancy is a risk factor for the development of CTS. Reported prevalence in pregnancy varies widely depending on the diagnostic criteria utilized, with prevalence ranging from 2 to 62%, with the most common time for presentation in pregnancy during the third trimester. Typical symptoms include tingling and pain in the thumbs, index, and middle fingers. Most pregnant patients with carpal tunnel syndrome will present with mild symptoms and minimal functional impairment, though sleep quality can be impacted. Conservative management with physical therapy and splinting will typically be sufficient. Local steroid injections are safe and effective for more significant symptoms or those that do not improve with conservative measures. Surgery for CTS during pregnancy is reserved for severe cases, or those with evidence of median nerve denervation.
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