silly question - birth ball gives me backache - what am I doing wrong?

[2ndDestiny]

Anyone experienced at using these... Am 30 wks, sit at a desk all day (or on the couch in the evenings!) and want to start encouraging the baby to turn (he's transverse - plenty of time I know but want to get in good posture habits). Have been sitting on it for 2 days while working at my computer and have lower backache! Do I need a bigger ball? I got the 65cm which said it was suitable for my height...

[mum2oneloudbaby]

you're possibly sitting still on it for too long. Don't forget that even when just sitting on the ball you are engaging your core muscles just to remain stable on the ball.

Although swaying hips gently side to side and back to front (not overly extending just gentle rocking) definately helped my aches and pains in my first pregnancy.

[2ndDestiny]

hmmm maybe that's it. Perhaps I should be on it some time not ALL the time. But I thought engaging my core muscles would relieve backache, not put more pressure on the lower back?? The backache seems to come from leaning forward slightly on it, but that's what I'm supposed to do to help the baby get in position isn't it? Might see if I can pump it up even more...

[glacierchick]

Maybe your back is aching because you don't have enough strength yet in your core muscles and they are feeling overworked?

Perhaps you need to alternate with a chair?

[2ndDestiny]

that sounds very likely, I've never exactly been a pilates queen! will try alternating with my desk chair... just have to resist the temptation to cross my legs and slouch backward...

[fernie3]

I had backache on mine when it was too low, I had to make sure it was high enough that my hip were equal to my knees.

[fernie3]

I had the one for my height but i dont think i blew it up enough!

[rimsky]

I've been told it should be inflated enough to only be able to stick your thumbnail into it.