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When you?re pregnant, everything is uncomfortable, and it can be hard to do the most basic daily activities?even sleeping and breathing! And, sorry, but one more thing to add to the list of Things That Might Bug You During Pregnancy: carpal tunnel syndrome. If you?ve been waking up with a numb hand at night, you just might have it. Here?s the skinny on why it happens and what you can do about it.
What is carpal tunnel syndrome"

Carpal tunnel syndrome is when the median nerve, which runs from your neck, through your shoulder to your fingers, is compressed within the carpal tunnel?literally a tunnel between the ligaments and bones in the wrist area.
Why does it happen" And why in pregnancy"
If you?re familiar with carpal tunnel syndrome, you likely think of it being caused by typing for long hours at a computer. During pregnancy, however, CTS can be caused by or, if preexisting, exacerbated by the fluid retention that is common prenatally. ?If there?s fluid accumulation and/or tightness in [the carpal tunnel], the nerve gets squashed first because it?s the softest structure,? says Angela Growse, a physiotherapist at the Rebirth Wellness Centre in London, Ont., who specializes in moms and moms-to-be.
However, because the median nerve runs all the way from the neck, problems further up can manifest in the wrist or hand, says Growse, also a mother of two. ?As the breasts get bigger, you get tighter, your shoulders round more, you?re fatigued, ...