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Pregnancy

Is a birthing ball different from an exercise ball?

8 replies

MrsMcJnr · 08/08/2007 14:43

Says it all really I have one of the latter and wondered if it would be any good as the former thanks.

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mumto2nuttybells · 08/08/2007 14:45

not really any difference really, it takes the presure of your hips and pelvis

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moondog · 08/08/2007 14:45

Just the same.

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MrsMcJnr · 08/08/2007 14:47

Great thanks maybe it'll get used more in it's new guise

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geekInPigtails · 09/08/2007 12:33

I wondered the same thing, and after a bit of digging I found somewhere (might have been a poster on mnet) that suggested the only difference was that some birthing balls have some kind of safety feature that means if the ball bursts then it goes down a bit slower rather than you landing with a thump on the floor! Tbh I thought that sounded a bit unlikely (especially if you check the recommended height and weight), so I've ordered a normal exercise ball - much cheaper!

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Pixiefish · 09/08/2007 12:47

I've heard that as well geek but have spoken to a few peeps who reckon that it would take an awful lot to make it burst anyway

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BetsyBoop · 09/08/2007 15:44

birthing balls are often bigger than exercise balls - these are the recommended sizes (found this here

If your height is up to 155cms (5' 2") we recommend a 55cm ball. Between 155 and 170 cms (5' 2" - 5' 8") you should use a 65cm ball and if you are taller than 170 cms the 75 cm ball is the most appropriate.

otherwise they are very similar

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MrsMcJnr · 10/08/2007 09:47

Thanks ladies got a Yoga for Pregnancy book and it looks like the ball might come in handy for that too

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derah · 10/08/2007 18:57

My exercise ball was wonderful during first stages of labour last time. I bounced on it all day until it was time to go to the hospital. When I got there I found that the balls they had there were too big (I'm only 5'3 and have a 55cm ball) and was GUTTED that I had to stop bouncing! This time I'm planning to have my baby at home and will bounce on my lovely vertically-challenged-people ball!

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