Why Do My Wrists Hurt After Having a Baby? Understanding "Mummy Thumb" and Postpartum Wrist Pain
Many new mothers expect some degree of fatigue, interrupted sleep, and physical adjustment after having a baby.
What often comes as a surprise, however, is the development of wrist pain.
Simple activities such as lifting a baby, fastening clothing, opening jars, feeding, or pushing a pram can suddenly become painful. For some mothers, the discomfort can be severe enough to interfere with caring for their newborn.
One of the most common causes of postpartum wrist pain is a condition known as De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, often referred to as "Mummy Thumb" or "Mother's Wrist."
Although it can be frustrating and uncomfortable, understanding why it occurs and how it is managed can help support recovery and allow mothers to return to daily activities more comfortably.
What Is "Mummy Thumb"?
De Quervain's Tenosynovitis is an overuse condition affecting two tendons that run along the thumb side of the wrist.
These tendons help control movements of the thumb and are involved in many everyday activities such as:
Gripping
Pinching
Lifting
Carrying
Reaching
When the tendons become irritated, movement through the tendon sheath may become painful and restricted.
The condition is particularly common during the postpartum period, which is why it has become commonly known as "Mummy Thumb."
Why Is It So Common After Having a Baby?
The postpartum period introduces several new physical demands that place repetitive stress on the wrist and thumb.
Repetitive Lifting
New parents may lift their baby dozens—if not hundreds—of times each day.
Common examples include:
Picking baby up from the cot
Lifting from a bassinet
Carrying a baby capsule
Moving baby into and out of a pram
Bathing and changing
Many of these movements place the wrist in awkward positions while simultaneously supporting weight.
Sustained Carrying Positions
Holding a baby often requires the wrist to remain bent while the thumb supports much of the load.
Over time, these repeated positions can increase stress on the thumb tendons.
Hormonal and Tissue Changes
During pregnancy and the postpartum period, hormonal changes may influence fluid retention and tissue sensitivity.
Although the exact relationship remains complex, hormonal changes may contribute to increased susceptibility in some women.
Reduced Recovery
Sleep deprivation and the physical demands of caring for a newborn can reduce the body's ability to recover from repetitive loading.
What Does Mummy Thumb Feel Like?
Symptoms commonly develop gradually over several weeks.
Many mothers initially notice mild discomfort before symptoms become more persistent.
Common symptoms include:
Pain on the thumb side of the wrist
Pain when lifting baby
Pain when gripping objects
Difficulty opening jars
Pain during texting or phone use
Swelling near the base of the thumb
Tenderness along the wrist
Reduced grip strength
In more significant cases, simple daily tasks can become challenging.
Why Does Lifting a Baby Make It Worse?
One of the most aggravating movements involves lifting a baby underneath the arms while the wrists are bent and thumbs are extended.
This position places increased demand on the affected tendons.
Unfortunately, because infant care involves frequent lifting, symptoms can persist if the underlying contributing factors are not addressed.
Could It Be Something Else?
While De Quervain's Tenosynovitis is common postpartum, other conditions can also contribute to wrist and hand pain.
These include:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Thumb joint arthritis
Wrist sprains
Tendinopathies
Nerve irritation
A thorough assessment is important to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
The Importance of Load Management
One of the key principles in managing tendon-related pain is load management.
This does not mean avoiding all movement.
Instead, it involves modifying activities so that irritated tissues can settle while maintaining function.
Examples may include:
Adjusting lifting techniques
Altering feeding positions
Using both arms when carrying
Reducing repetitive gripping where possible
Small changes often make a significant difference.
How Exercise Can Help
Research increasingly supports exercise as an important component of tendon rehabilitation.
Appropriate exercises may help:
Improve tendon capacity
Restore strength
Improve wrist function
Reduce recurrence risk
Exercises are typically progressed gradually according to symptom tolerance.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Chiropractic management may assist by assessing the wrist, thumb, elbow, shoulder, and neck as part of the broader movement system.
Treatment may include:
Joint mobilisation
Soft tissue techniques
Movement assessment
Activity modification advice
Exercise prescription
The goal is to improve function and reduce mechanical stress on irritated tissues.
How Massage Therapy Can Help
Massage therapy may assist by addressing muscular tension within the forearm and surrounding structures.
Benefits may include:
Reduced muscle tension
Improved comfort
Support for rehabilitation
Enhanced recovery
Massage is often most effective when combined with appropriate activity modification and strengthening strategies.
Supporting Recovery Through Strength and Movement
Although rest can help in the early stages, long-term recovery usually involves gradually restoring the tendon's ability to tolerate load.
The objective is not simply to eliminate pain but to improve the wrist's ability to perform the demands of motherhood.
A stronger, more resilient tendon is less likely to become irritated again.
When Should You Seek Professional Advice?
Consider seeking assessment if:
Symptoms persist for several weeks
Pain is worsening
Daily activities are becoming difficult
Grip strength is declining
Symptoms are affecting your ability to care for your baby
Early management may help prevent symptoms from becoming more persistent.
Looking After the Caregiver
One of the challenges of the postpartum period is that mothers often prioritise everyone else's needs above their own.
However, managing pain and maintaining physical health is an important part of caring for both yourself and your family.
Seeking support early can help reduce discomfort, improve function, and allow you to focus on the moments that matter most.
Final Thoughts
Postpartum wrist pain is extremely common, particularly in the form of De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, or "Mummy Thumb."
The combination of repetitive lifting, carrying, hormonal changes, and reduced recovery can place significant demands on the wrist and thumb tendons.
Fortunately, most cases respond well to a combination of education, load management, exercise, and appropriate hands-on care.
At Epoch Health, our multidisciplinary team works with new mothers to help manage pain, improve function, and support recovery during the physical demands of early parenthood.