Pregnancy-Related Hand and Wrist Conditions

Pregnancy is associated with significant physiologic and biochemical changes that affect the musculoskeletal and peripheral nervous systems. Hormonal fluctuations, fluid retention, immune modulation, and connective tissue remodeling all contribute to pregnancy-related hand and wrist conditions. Hand and wrist complaints are common in pregnancy, particularly during the third trimester, and may significantly affect daily function and quality of life, yet they are frequently underdiagnosed and misattributed to normal pregnancy discomfort. This review summarizes the current literature on pregnancy-related hand and wrist conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome and de Quervain tenosynovitis, as well as lesser reported conditions such as ligamentous laxity with transient joint instability, neuralgic amyotrophy, pyogenic granuloma, and small joint arthralgia. Our aim is to improve awareness of these conditions and to provide evidence-based guidelines for patient care and insight into the complexities of the physiologic changes of pregnancy. Although these conditions may mimic traumatic, inflammatory, or degenerative disease, most follow a benign and self-limited course. Conservative management is effective in most cases and surgical intervention is less commonly required. When surgery is warranted, certain perioperative measures need to be considered. Improved recognition of pregnancy-specific conditions is essential to guide appropriate management and patient counseling.