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What Do Tingling and Numbness During Pregnancy Mean?
During pregnancy, it is common to experience tingling, pins and needles, or numbness in the hands, arms, legs, or feet. It may feel as if the body part has “fallen asleep” and can develop gradually or occur suddenly. These symptoms are particularly common at night.
Why Do Numbness and Tingling Occur During Pregnancy?
Physiological Changes
During pregnancy, several changes occur in the body that can affect circulation and nerves:
- Increased fluid retention contributes to swelling that can put pressure on nerves.
- Hormonal changes affect connective tissue and nerves.
- Increased blood volume alters blood circulation.
- Pressure from the growing uterus can affect nerves in the pelvis and legs.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is common during pregnancy and is caused by swelling in the wrist that compresses the median nerve. This can lead to symptoms such as tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers, nighttime numbness, and weakness in the hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome can be uncomfortable but is often temporary and usually resolves after pregnancy.
When Can Symptoms Be Due to Deficiency or Imbalance?
In some cases, tingling and numbness during pregnancy may be linked to medical conditions. These conditions can often be detected through a blood test.
Anemia
During pregnancy, the need for iron, vitamin B12, and folate increases significantly as the fetus grows, while the increased blood volume can lead to lower concentrations of these nutrients in the blood. Deficiency in iron, vitamin B12, and folate is collectively referred to as anemia, as all three are essential for the normal production of red blood cells. In addition to increased fatigue and difficulty concentrating, anemia can also cause symptoms such as tingling and numbness in the hands and feet. If you experience these symptoms, we recommend the Anemia Health Check.
Thyroid Disorders
It is common for thyroid hormone balance to be affected during pregnancy, which can sometimes cause symptoms such as numbness, swelling, and muscle weakness—particularly in cases of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). If you suspect a thyroid disorder, we recommend taking a thyroid test.
Gestational Diabetes
High blood sugar levels, such as in gestational diabetes, can affect nerves and cause tingling or numbness. This is less common during pregnancy than later in life. A test of HbA1c (long-term blood sugar) can help identify gestational diabetes.
When Should You Seek Medical Care?
Contact your midwife or doctor if the numbness is persistent or worsening, if you experience severe pain or muscle weakness, if symptoms affect only one side of the body, or if you also have pronounced fatigue, dizziness, or palpitations.
What Can I Do Myself?
To reduce the risk of tingling and numbness, you can elevate your hands and feet when swollen, rest and change sleeping positions frequently, avoid repetitive movements, and follow recommended intake of vitamins and iron. In cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, the use of wrist supports is recommended.
Medical Treatment
Treatment varies depending on the underlying cause but often includes dietary supplements, tailored nutrition, and follow-up within antenatal care.
