Gym ball/birthing ball

[Deliaskis]

Are these the same thing? I keep looking at getting one, but ones that are officially called birthing balls seem to be more expensive, although on Amazon they are called gym/birthing balls, as if it's one and the same thing?

D

Yes, as far as I know! I already had a Pezzi (sp.?) ball before getting pregnant and used it at home during labour - I just flopped over it and bounced on it from time to time. I can't see how paying more for a "birthing ball" would help. Have you checked eBay for second hand ones, if it's just for labour?

Yeah, I was looking on ebay and amazon etc. It's not a huge amount of money, just didn't want to accidentally end up with something unsuitable! Thanks for reply mum295 .

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We had gym balls, but I bought a birthing ball for pregnancy as our gym balls (Reebok ones IIRC) have burst in the past, and I didn't want that to hapen while pregnant! My birthing ball is much thicker (and more comfy to sit on as it's textured so not so slippy)

Hi delia!

I got a gym ball last time round from a charity shop, just got it out of the loft today! Also got free towels, shampoo and body lotion :)

And it only cost £5!!

Would def recommend, by 38 weeks it's more comfy than my armchair.

My hospital has them too, for labour.

yep, all ta similar thing GET ONE!!!! they're fab! i bought birthing one which came with exercise charts pre baby, with new born, and after baby.....

I just got one from Tesco, it was £3.00. I had an expensive Pezzi one before but it's got a puncture which I have tried and failed to repair. I could do without it deflating on the big day!

They are the same thing but it's important to get a high quality one that has a good, strong valve. Cheap gym balls are more likley to burst than expensive "birth balls" but there are some good middle ground balls.

Deliaskis - I know the answer to this one.

They have one major difference, if a gym ball is punctured it deflates instantly (sort of like a balloon).

If a birthing ball is punctured (due to the grainy looking walls) it deflates slowly.
Good stuff as you don't really want to be heavily pregnant and sitting on something one second and then sitting on nothing the next.

Ah OK, so there is a difference that is worth bearing in mind.

Thanks for replies, off to search for best value but good quality slow-deflating ball!

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I bought a Gym ball from Tesco for £3.99 . Does the job - just make sure you look at the height guide, you need to buy the right size for your height.