DeQuervain tenosynovitis, which involves the abductor pollicis longus and 
extensor pollicis brevis tendons, is much more common in women than men and is 
due to repetitive movements of the hand such as grasping and twisting. 
Housewives and persons involved in manual occupations using the hands and wrists 
account for most cases in previous series. In this series, six of 24 female 
patients (25%) were pregnant or postpartum at the time of onset. In five of the 
six, activities of infant care aggravated symptoms. Both pregnancy, per se, and 
mechanical factors appear to play a role in causing this condition.