Is a birthing ball the same as a yoga ball?

[MrsHuxtable]

Because Amazon has yoga balls for half of the price of birthing balls.

Also, when are you meant to start sitting / bouncing on it to help the baby with positioning?

Yes, they're the same, except that I think all birthing balls have an anti-burst feature while the cheaper exercise ones don't always (which I think is reassuring to have, but not essential). I'd recommend going for a 55 or 65cm one, I got mine from Argos for about a fiver and it's been brilliant; I haven't sat in a normal chair for about 4 months! It also helps with backache and when feeling breathless.

Probably from about 34/36 weeks it may help with positioning your baby, but even then there's still loads of time for him/her to move.

Thanks. The yoga ball on Amazon also says it's anti-burst and given my height of 5"2 I think I'll go for the 55cm one. Am very excited now. How sad...