Relief for swelling and/or carpal tunnel?

[Anonymous]

I'm 34 weeks pregnant and in the last three weeks my hands have become uncomfotably swollen and achy and I've developed carpal tunnel. For the past several nights I've been wearing wrist braces at night at the recommendation of my doctor. Unfortunately, I have not noticed any relief from the braces, but I guess I haven't really given them much time to work yet.

I'm just wondering if anyone has any tips for reducing hand swelling or relieving the very uncomfortable (and nearly constant) tingling sensation in my fingers? It's going to be a long six weeks if I can't get some relief!!

Thanks for the help!!

[Anonymous]

My problems came after baby, so keep the braces. There is little you can do....can you take a shot of cortizone preggers?

Tylenol?

[Anonymous]

I had bad swelling, but more so in my feet than hands. But my OB as well as another nurse-practitioner recommended swimming as a way to relieve/reduce the swelling. I didn't do it (no easy access to a pool and I couldn't imagine getting into a bathing suit at that point in my pregnancy), so don't know if it would've worked, but perhaps an option worth considering. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I had cortizone shots in my wrists during my last trimester and am so glad I did. My OB recommended it, the pain went away within a day, and never came back because I had delivered before the shots wore off.