birth ball - recommendations pls

[Beesok]

Hi all, I've read a few threads on this but nothing specific came up - can someone recommend a good quality birth ball that is actually the correct size as in description? I ordered one at amazon and it was way too small, my MW gave me one from Argos but it still small, my knees are above my hips :(
I don't mind paying more for a proper one - fed up with cheapo ones that are not appropriate :(

[BedHog]

The Tesco ones come up small too. My yoga teacher had a Reebok one that said it was the same size as the Tesco, but was actually significantly bigger.

[BedHog]

There are quite a few 75cm balls on ebay. Also some 85cm, but they are more expensive.

[tiokiko]

I really recommend Birthease.

I bought a ball from them when pregnant with DD almost 3 years ago and it was great, good quality, strong, comfortable.

It's been in storage since then and I was concerned the rubber/plastic may have deteriorated but it's still in perfect condition and I have been using for a few weeks now as I'm 33w with DC2.

They come with a pump and are easy to inflate. I'm very tall and the 75cm ball is perfect for me.

[Beesok]

Thanks everyone - I am not sure what size I need, am 165cm tall and it says in the recommendations to get a 65cm ball, the problem is the one I ordered said 65cm in the item description but wasn't when it arrived...so just asking for a recommendation of a ball that is actually true to size :)

tiokiko is the Birthease one correct in sizing? thx

[GiraffesHaveMoreFun]

I got one from the nct shop - it comes in 2 sizes and the bigger one worked for me (am 5'10).

[PinkFondantFancy]

I've got a Reebok 75cm one, it seems pretty good so far

[tiokiko]

Yes I think the Birthease one is pretty good in terms of size. I have a feeling I did measure it when it first arrived but not sure - it's definitely a good size for me though, am 6' with long legs and it's fine - need to make sure it's inflated to get the right height/comfort but I'm happy with it.

[sleepevader]

Birthease is fab and very much correct size

[melliebobs]

it's hard to tell what size you'd need beesok just from your size cos it all depends how long your legs are. 2 people of the same height may need a different size ball because one may have short legs and one with long. As long as when you are sat on it, your feet are flat on the floor and your knees are at a 90 degree angle and are level to your hips, you've got the right size. It might be worth going to JJB or something where they have them out so you can double check.

Also, mini personal rant. I really hate how these are called Swiss Balls but get into the whole pregnancy arena they suddenly become a 'birthing ball', wtf?! and then your told to bounce on them?! That's the last thing you should ever be told to do on them as it's bad for your back! Proper gets my goat rant over

[figgygal]

I've obviously not got that far in my pregnancy books yet but what do u actually do with them and what r the benefits?

Excuse the ignorance please

[Beesok]

Thanks everyone - and yes, I do have (relatively) long legs - not Gisele Bundchen long sadly :) so maybe that's why it was too small? I think I am going to go and try one out can't be bothered with hassle of ordering and returning...

melliebobs forgive my ignorance but what is JJB? might pop into Westfield tomorrow so hopefully there should be a store that stocks some there

And yes, I agree with the whole naming thing and have you noticed that they also automatically change colour and are all pastel ;)))))))))) I want a black one :)

figgygal they are helpful for strengthening pelvic muscles and also can be more comfortable to sit on if you have back ache - also help to keep your posture and can sometimes help in getting baby into position in the later weeks (at least my MW said to try sitting on it every day for that reason) I also want to use it for exercising at home when I can't be bothered to go to the gym :)

[melliebobs]

lol beesok JJB is a sports store in the UK. Now i've said this i'm thinking they might have started to go bust and only kept their stores in the north west! lol but any gym or sports shop will pump one up foryou to check the size

[Xiaoxiong]

I spend all day sitting at a desk and am thinking about replacing my desk chair with one of these since my back is starting to hurt - but no idea what size I will need. I assume the 75cm measurement means the diameter of the ball is 75cm? so if I measure the height of the seat of my desk chair that will tell me what size ball to get...?

[Beesok]

melliebobs you can tell I don't shop much for sports equipment :)

OK so I went to JL in the end (didn't make it to Westfield which is probably a good thing coz I was craving those cinnamon buns they have downstairs ;) and ordered a 75cm ball, will pick it up tomorrow and see how it goes!

Tyelperion have no idea how a ball could work at a desk - the correct position for pregnancy I think is to have your hips higher than your knees - at least that's what my MW recommends....

[OptomisticBiscuit]

I'm sitting on a Birthease 65cm ball at my desk right now :) It did blow up to 65 cm as described, my hips are above my knees (I'm short though!) and it's way more comfortable than my normal desk chair. It has helped with the mild pelvic pain I have had, and is also stopping me from slumping, squashing my bump, and keeping me in nice position (please please don't go back to back baby!). Everyone had a giggle when I brought it in, but it works just fine in the office, and everyone has had a go now. Going to get another one for at home.

[Xiaoxiong]

Thanks OptimisticBiscuit - that's exactly what I was hoping to hear re: pain, slumping, squashing (I say as I lean forward at my desk, squashing bump against the edge). Will order one now.