Watch CBS News

Postpartum Wrist

Not long after Elle was born my right wrist started hurting.

I dismissed it for months, thinking I was sleeping on it weird, but the pain was persistent.

It just wouldn't go away.

Instead, it got worse.

I would lift her out of her crib and it would nearly bring tears to my eyes – and if I accidentally knocked my wrist on the kitchen counter or door – I would scream.

Jimmy finally convinced me to quit being a baby myself and get my butt to the doctor.

What a relief to discover my wrist pain was indeed – normal and treatable.

My doctor called it - post partum wrist, mother's thumb or de Quervain's tendonitis.

It's swelling around the wrists thumb side and around the wrist….press my thumb "down" and you'll make me jump out of my seat.

The doctors said it happens when you repeatedly lift someone (like your baby) and put your thumb in an awkward position.

After a week of anti inflammatory medicines and sleeping in a brace – I am hopefully on the road to recovery.

You hear about a lot of post partum issues – but this was a new one for me.

Just a heads up to all you mom's to be out there!

- by Karen Leigh

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.