Why do I get pins and needles in my hands and feet, what causes it when I’m sleeping and is it common in pregnancy?

EVERYONE gets pins and needles, but the tingling and numbness can become very annoying - or even painful.

Here's what causes it, and when it's something to worry about...

Why do I get pins and needles?

You get pins and needles when the blood supply to the nerves is cut off.

This often happens if you're sitting or sleeping awkwardly.

People commonly get pins and needles in their arms, hands, legs and feet.

Pins and needles will normally go away easily when you take weight off the body part, and blood supply returns to the nerves.

You can try to speed up the process by clenching and unclenching your hands or feet, and removing any tight clothing.

Can pins and needles be a sign of something more serious?

If your pins and needles isn't going away, you should go and see your GP.

It can be caused by Raynaud's disease, hyperventilation, sciatica or multiple sclerosis.

Treatments such as chemotherapy, some antibiotics and the medication used to treat HIV or prevent seizures can also cause long-lasting pins and needles.

You could also get it from a poor diet, nerve damage or drinking too much alcohol.

If it's specifically focused in your hand and fingers, it could be caused by carpal tunnel syndrome - pressure on a nerve in your wrist, which can last for several months.

Is pins and needles common in pregnancy and why do I get it at night?

Pregnancy puts you at higher risk of carpal tunnel syndrome - giving you pins and needles in your hand and fingers.

Carpal tunnel can be very painful and often needs a hand splint or acupuncture to relieve it, so speak to your GP.

If it's focused in your feet, it could be a symptom of gestational diabetes - a temporary form of the condition which develops during pregnancy.

If you become extremely thirsty, need to wee a lot, get sudden blurred vision or extreme fatigue, you should seek medical help straight away.

Pins and needles during pregnancy isn't always something to worry about - but it can be painful and even feel like a burning sensation.

It's caused by the extra fluid volume you're carrying, which puts pressure on your joints and nerves.

Mums often find that it's worse at night.

Because it's caused by the extra fluid, it can affect the leg or arm which you're not lying on - and can wake you during the night.

Although very annoying, this is perfectly normal - and nothing to worry about.