[Hand symptoms and pregnancy].

The purpose of the present study was to identify the incidence of hand symptoms related to pregnancy in a Danish population. Three hundred and thirty-five consecutive postpartum patients were interviewed by questionnaire. Hand symptoms had been noted by 16%, among these 30% described a classic median-nerve symptom distribution (carpal tunnel syndrome) and 24% of patients described an ulnar nerve distribution. Most symptoms were bilateral, commenced in the third trimester and resolved soon after delivery. There was a significant correlation of hand symptoms in pregnancy with the presence of swelling and a significant correlation to parity (first). Hand function and sleep had been disturbed in half of the patients. Half of the patients had mentioned their symptoms to their doctor and one had been sent to treatment. Hand symptoms during pregnancy are common, and their severity is often underestimated. Symptoms of the carpal tunnel syndrome are easily relieved by a night splint.