Pregnancy brings about many changes in a woman’s body. One of the more noticeable changes that often occurs is swelling in the hands and fingers. This swelling is usually harmless but can sometimes cause discomfort or concern.
What causes fingers to swell during pregnancy?
There are a few key reasons why finger swelling is common during pregnancy:
- Hormonal changes – Pregnancy hormones like estrogen and progesterone cause the body to retain more fluid. This extra fluid builds up in the hands and fingers, leading to swelling.
- Increased blood volume – A pregnant woman’s blood volume increases by up to 50%. More fluid in the blood vessels can put pressure on blood vessels in the hands and fingers, resulting in swelling.
- Compressed blood vessels – As the uterus expands, it can put pressure on the large blood vessels in the pelvis and abdomen. This slows down blood flow returning from the hands and fingers, causing fluid buildup.
When does finger swelling usually start in pregnancy?
For most women, swelling in the fingers and hands will start sometime after the first trimester. It often begins around:
- 14-16 weeks pregnant
- 24-26 weeks pregnant
- 32-34 weeks pregnant
The further along in pregnancy, the more likely swelling is to occur. Swelling tends to progressively get more noticeable and peak in the third trimester.
Which fingers swell the most during pregnancy?
The ring and pinky fingers on both hands tend to swell the most during pregnancy.
This is because these outermost fingers have fewer joints, muscles, and soft tissues. With less supportive structures, fluid more easily accumulates in these fingers.
The index and middle fingers may also swell but generally not as severely. The thumb swells the least as its constant motion helps discourage fluid buildup.
Do fingers stay swollen after pregnancy?
In most cases, swollen fingers and hands will return to normal within a few weeks after giving birth.
Once the baby is delivered, hormone levels start dropping back down to pre-pregnancy levels. Blood volume also decreases, taking pressure off blood vessels.
As the body sheds extra fluid after pregnancy, swelling in the fingers should steadily subside.
However, for some women finger swelling takes longer to resolve. It may persist up to 6 months postpartum, especially if swelling was severe during pregnancy.
Tips to relieve swollen fingers during pregnancy
While finger swelling is often unavoidable in pregnancy, there are some things you can try to help provide relief:
- Elevate hands frequently above heart level
- Apply cold compresses to swollen fingers
- Wear loose jewelry and clothing on hands/wrists
- Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
- Exercise regularly to improve circulation
- Get more rest to take pressure off blood vessels
- Avoid excessive heat and limit salt intake
If swelling is severe and painful, talk to your doctor about additional options to reduce swelling.
When to see a doctor about swollen fingers in pregnancy
Consult your healthcare provider if you notice:
- Swelling that is sudden, severe, or mainly in one hand
- Swelling combined with excessive weight gain
- Signs of infection like warm, red, tender fingers
- Limitation in finger mobility from swelling
- Swelling that persists long after giving birth
While swelling is common in pregnancy, it’s a good idea to mention it to your doctor so they can monitor the symptom. Severe or persistent swelling may require medical treatment.
Are there complications associated with swollen fingers during pregnancy?
For the most part, swollen fingers during pregnancy do not indicate any major medical problems. However, severe swelling can sometimes contribute to:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome – Pressure on the median nerve in the wrist from swelling. This causes numbness, tingling, and pain in the fingers and hand.
- Difficulty wearing rings – Swelling can make rings feel too tight on fingers. In some cases rings may need to be cut off if swelling is extreme.
- Reduced dexterity – Excess fluid in the fingers and hands can make it harder to grasp objects and perform fine motor tasks.
- Skin stretch marks – Rapid swelling stretches the skin around the fingers, which may lead to reddish stretch marks.
Let your doctor know if swelling is making it difficult to use your hands for daily tasks. Treatment options are available for more bothersome swelling symptoms.
Tips for relieving carpal tunnel syndrome from finger swelling
If carpal tunnel syndrome develops from swollen fingers putting pressure on the median nerve, try these remedies:
- Wear a wrist splint at night to limit wrist flexion
- Take over-the-counter NSAID pain relievers like ibuprofen
- Apply cold compresses to the wrist and fingers
- Perform hand and wrist exercises to prevent stiffness
- Avoid sleeping with bent wrists
- Elevate hands above heart level as much as possible
See your doctor promptly if carpal tunnel symptoms are persistent or severe.
How to remove tight rings from swollen fingers
If rings become too snug on swollen fingers, try these tips:
- Apply ice packs or cold water to the finger to reduce swelling
- Use ring cutters or ring expanding tools to gently widen the band
- Coat fingers in lubricant like lotion, soap, or oil to slide ring off
- Visit a jeweler to have ring professionally removed or resized
Avoid pulling tightly stuck rings to prevent injuring the finger. Seek emergency care if rings restrict blood flow causing numbness, color changes, or extreme pain.
When does finger swelling go away after pregnancy?
Here is a general timeline for when pregnancy-related swelling in the fingers subsides:
- Within first 1-2 weeks – Swelling may start improving soon after delivery as hormone levels decline.
- Within 2-4 weeks – Most swelling resolves within the first month postpartum.
- Within 2-3 months – Swelling continues to go down and fingers return closer to normal size.
- Within 4-6 months – Almost all swelling has fully resolved by 6 months postpartum.
Each woman’s experience is different. See your doctor if bothersome swelling lasts longer than 6 months after giving birth.
Preventing excessive finger swelling during next pregnancy
For women pregnant again, you can take precautions to help minimize swelling:
- Drink plenty of water and stay well hydrated
- Reduce sodium intake to avoid water retention
- Elevate hands frequently above the level of the heart
- Exercise regularly to improve circulation
- Avoid getting overheated from hot weather or baths
- Wear loose, comfortable rings and bracelets
- Get more rest and relaxation to reduce stress on body
While some swelling is expected, these tips can help prevent excessive fluid buildup in the fingers.
Conclusion
Swollen fingers are a common nuisance during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters. Fluid retention, increased blood volume, and circulatory changes all contribute to puffy fingers. While not usually serious, extreme swelling can cause issues like carpal tunnel syndrome. Most swelling gradually resolves within the first 2-3 months after giving birth. Pay attention to sudden or severe swelling and notify your doctor promptly. With simple precautions and remedies, finger swelling during pregnancy can often be managed for more comfort.