Can you use a gym ball in labour?

[mannicmummyhavinaiccy]

Just want to know if I can use my gym ball in labour rather than go out and buy a birth ball?

Yes they are the same thing.

Great, thanks goes to find bike pump

I read somewhere that it needs to be of the size that your hips are higher than your knees when you're sitting on it, otherwise it puts strain on your joints. Mine was a tad too small so borrowed a friend's (gym ball that is) which was slightly bigger which was more comfortable. Was great even before I was in labour and sitting on the couch was too uncomfortable on my back...

they had one in the room at the birth centre I was in so I didn't have to take mine in. Great for getting baby off to sleep in middle of the night when you are drop dead tired too

thanks theborrower, mine might be a little small,might go and buy a large gym ball, they seem quite cheep, but if you look at birthballs the price goes up!

The hospital I was in had lots of these so I just asked for one (I didn't know until labour that I would want one!). It was amazing and helped me deliver with just tens and gas and air. The contractions felt like when you stub your toe and need to jump up and down - i bounced up and down instead! I spent the whole labour bouncing on the ball except for the pushing stage.

They are also great for getting the baby in a good position for birth. So sit on it rather than sitting on sofa. Agree they are great to use in labour.

I used a gym ball in the later stage of pregnancy at home and when at pregnancy yoga.

When I was in labour the midwife brought me the hospital gym ball (which was the same as my one) and I hated it!

Other people I've heard about - and people on here - have loved it in labour though.

Everyone is different.

Yes, but do make sure your birth partner understands how firmly it needs to be pumped up.

DH didn't appreciate this, and when I sat on it, I sank alarmingly. I could have killed him!!!

Lol onimolap poor you! found a 65 cm one, or would I need a 75cm

Yes, absolutely, I flopped over mine, head and shoulders on the ball, kneeling on the floor, for most of my labour at home before going into hospital. It was the only way I could labour and feel comfortable. I loved that ball and would happily have married it at the time!

The only thing I would add is our NCT teacher has told us to check our birthing ball subsitutes are 'burst resistant'. The point being that birthing balls, apparently, are specifically designed so if they do burst they deflate very slowly, rather than just pop and you're on the floor.

Gym balls take about a billion years to deflate, even when you take the stopper completely out. The burst resistant thing is all part of the persuading you to pay 6x as much for a gym ball.

I have hi-jacked my DH's gym ball, im in love with it its the only thing that helps my fibroid pain. They are amazing considering they are just a ball. Im deff using one in labour, have to ask if the hospital has them or if I have to bring in my DH's.

Muser - ha, that's what I thought when she said it. Stick 'birthing' in front of something and crank up the price. We got horror stories about balls deflating. I shall ignore I think.

I just got one off ebay (new) for £7 and I already love it, just for sitting on. Seems to take pressure of my spine and makes me sit up properly.

I would imagine they'd all be burst resistant, wouldn't they, or they'd be pretty useless?? I'm with LittleMsH, it's probably a big con!

birthing balls are burst resistant whilst gym balls are not... the price difference in amazon is only gbp9... not a big deal of money for the sake safety, so i got a birthing ball