Will a birthing ball make me feel more comfortable? 32 wks preg

[Seasidedolly]

Hi all

I'm 32 wks pregnant with my first. In recent weeks I've become more & more uncomfortable, recently Bean has lodged both feet in my ribs which is a lovely sensation whenever he has a wriggle.... :S

I'm planning on getting a birthing ball for early labour anyway, but would I be more comfy in the evenings sat on a birthing ball than trying to get comfy on the sofa?

Or are they really just for labour? Midwife thinks he's been head down since 25 weeks so I don't think his position is an issue, just uncomfortable, even the bath has lost its magic touch!

Also, any recommendations for a particular make? I've seen many people just to say get a cheap £5 Argos fitness ball, where as the pregnancy ones on Amazon seem to be at least £18.

Thanks!

[FlossieTreadlight]

I quite liked mine - I'd rest on it in the weeks leading up to D Day. I just had a £5 ball from Tesco or Sainsbury. Really not worth spending more unless I missed a trick?!

[Sleepyfergus]

I used mine a lot in the last few weeks as it was comfier to sit on than the sofa. I would sit firm on it with my feet about 2 feet apart and let my bump rest between my thighs. Then rotate my pelvis round and round but not really taking my feet off the floor but the ball would move withe slightly. Was very relaxing and took pressure off my back.

I fully intended using it during labour but found it was useless during contractions so very quickly abandoned trying to use it!

I think mine was £7 from Argos and worthwhile for both my later stages of pregnancies.

[comeagainforbigfudge]

I have one just now at 22weeks. Physio in my work suggested it for doing pelvic tilts, sitting on in general, in order to strengthen back/core.

[Zsazsabinks]

Sitting on mine now, wish I'd got it sooner. Much more comfortable than the sofa and even if you don't use it during the actual birth, it might come in handy afterwards. This one's a John Lewis one, it was about £15 I think.

[Sleepyfergus]

Just remembered, check your height against what size of ball to ensure you get the right ratio. You can prob get all the info from the über expensive Amazon 'pregnancy' blurb then apply it to the tesco or argos ball.

They also scare tactic you into thinking a cheap ball might burst when you're using it, hence you need to spend 3x as much on a special pregnancy ball.

[LittleGreyCatwithapinkcollar]

After being on the verge of tears by the end of work last Tuesday my Mum leant me her cheapy exercise ball. So much more comfortable at the end of the day now! Didn't think it could possibly make the levelled difference it did but so pleased I gave a go. I'm 32 weeks tomorrow.

[Awakeagain]

Think it's also meant to help the baby be in the right position, as lounging on the sofa can encourage back to back I think

[Seasidedolly]

Thanks all will definitely get one. I'm only 5 ft 3 (ok, 5 ft 2) so I think I'll be ok with about a 60cm one if I remember from the amazon blurb sounds about the average size. Must remember to keep it away from the labrador when not in use, a giant football would be his idea of play time heaven!

[RedSal]

I have been sat on mine in place of the chair/ sofa for a good couple of months now, just as it's more comfortable. I haven't done any of the proper exercise 'routines' you can do on them but it seems (to me at least) to be quite natural to sway forward and back or side to side or do little circles whilst I am sat on it, and as I understand it this is good for loads of things - easing niggles, helping get baby in position, boosting core strength. Can't comment on usefulness in labour - due tomorrow but how long is a piece of string, etc etc. I agree that a special birth one doesn't seem necessary but if possible the 'anti-burst' factor would seem to be an advantage! I got a proper birth one secondhand.

[Mrscog]

I have one and find it great. Used it in early labour last time, I found it eased a lot of aching early on.

[hazel88]

My Midwife told me not to use one until I was full term at 37 weeks so I waited until then. It's nice for an aching back but I found it made my fanny ache! great invention though, mine was from The Range and got a pump too for about £8 for both

[thetroubleis]

I didn't have one at all, but was given one in the labour suite.

I swear I spent a good 4 hours doing little bounces on that bad boy, sucking on the gas an air and quite happily chatting to DP.

Also, I was bloody enormous at that stage, somehow it didn't burst (it was a cheapy £5 exercise ball because apparently they have to be replaced quite frequently:S )

If we had another baby I would definitely get one for the later stages, but now 'bursting' has been mentioned I would go for a proper pregnancy one.

I would imagine they have good resale value too.

[cowbiscuits]

I have one from DS and will be getting it out again soon, I'm 29 weeks and huge this time, and starting to struggle with back and rib pain.

I have crap posture, I tend to slouch, and it sets off my backache and the rib flare pain, and sitting on the ball seems to improve posture so my back is straight, chest open etc.

I think they are worth it. I used it a lot in the last few weeks of pregnancy in the hope it would move baby downwards to engage head, but dunno if it did.

[ChickenMe]

Ooh. I'm 32w and I got one from Decathlon. A normal exercise one. I must blow it up now. I hate the sofa. I feel the need to sit up straight.

[junemami]

I would get a bigger one if you can, I got a 75cm one from amazon, nbf make. I has a much smaller one in last pregnancy & it was not nearly as useful (however is the perfect size for putting your feet on if sitting on sofa etc so still gets used). Make sure you get a decent hand pump with it & it's pumped up fully.
For rib/back pain I've found kneeling on floor leaning over ball then stretching it away &bback & for (if that makes sense) most helpful.

[Marshpillow]

I agree that kneeling and stretching over the ball is good for rib pain, I spend all evening in this position as it's the only way I can feel comfortable.

[Pepsiaddict]

They are comfy - I used mine a lot as both babies tended to go back to back so midwife strongly advised not slouching on the sofa. Also v useful post birth for trying to settle the baby - both of mine like me sitting on it and bouncing.

[catnip85]

I'm getting rib and back pain so bought a ball but it didn't come with a pump so havent been able to blow it up yet! Did u use a foot pump, hand pump...? What should I get?

[junemami]

Hand pump, will need topping up now & again

[Emz1989]

I bought one in home bargains yesterday - £6.99 and they have a choice of 65 or 75cm. I personally went for the bigger.
It doesn't come with a pump but DH was able to blow it up to 90% capacity with his mouth and we finished it off with a small football hand pump.
It's not strictly a pregnancy one, but does claim to be 'anti burst'!