Prenatal and Postpartum Care
HIP PAIN AND PREGNANCY
The following claim has been circulating on various social media accounts: “The human body can bear only up to 45 del (units) of pain. Yet at time of giving birth, a mother feels up to 57 del (units) of pain. This is similar to 20 bones getting fractured at the same time.” According to Snopes.com, however, this claim is false. Because pain is subjective and because each birthing experience is unique, a specific amount of pain cannot be calculated. Of course, giving birth is excruciating, but all too often, the focus is on the pain during childbirth rather than prenatal or postpartum pain, both of which can cause real problems for expecting or new mothers. The vast majority of expecting mothers have reported experiencing severe hip pain during pregnancy. One of the major causes of this pain stems from hormone releases meant to increase the flexibility of the joints and ligaments in the pelvis to prepare the body for childbirth. This pain can also be caused by added pressure on the sciatic nerve, the largest single nerve in the human body. The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back all the way down to the feet, so an enlarged uterus puts more pressure on this nerve, causing pain and numbness in the hips, buttocks, and thighs.
Just as hip pain during pregnancy can be severe and difficult to manage, postpartum pain can be just as debilitating. Pregnancy and childbirth often affect the alignment of the joints and overall muscle function. Often,
after the baby is born, the mother will even experience pain walking. Some of this pain is a holdover from the pregnancy, and some of it occurs as a result of the birth itself. Many new mothers turn to physical therapy as a curative tool to learn exercises and simple adjustments to reduce their pain and flexibility. If you or a mother you know is dealing with prenatal or postpartum pain, schedule an appointment with one of our physical therapists here at Gilbert Physical Therapy. Being a new mother is hard enough; don’t let postpartum pain make it worse.
SUDOKU
HOMEMADE MARSHMALLOWS
As we enter the height of s’mores season, consider upgrading those store- bought marshmallows to homemade ones. For a colorful treat, you can easily add food coloring to this recipe.
INGREDIENTS
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3 packages unflavored gelatin 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup light corn syrup 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
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Powdered sugar, to coat
DIRECTIONS
1. In a mixing bowl, combine gelatin and 1/2 cup cold water. Let sit while you make the syrup. 2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, syrup, salt, and 1/2 cup water until the sugar dissolves. 3. Raise heat to high and bring syrup up to 240 F, using a candy thermometer to check for temperature. 4. With an electric whisk on low speed, slowly whisk syrup into gelatin mixture. Switch speed to high and whip for 15 minutes, until very thick. Fold in vanilla after whipping. 5. Dust a nonmetal baking dish with powdered sugar and spoon mixture into dish. Smooth mixture, top with more powdered sugar, and let stand uncovered overnight. 6. Cut into squares, decorate, and serve. Inspired by foodnetwork.com
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