Birthing ball different to gym ball?

[PurpleWithaBlueBun]

Look the same to me except a gym ball is cheaper! Is there a difference or is it just marketing? Any recommendations? Thinking of getting this one, if there is a difference as cheaper

I was assuming they were the same, I was just going to use my gym ball

Not sure - I used our gym ball when I was pregnant and it was just as good as the birthball I tried in an nct class. The nct lady said they are not as safe though as not tested with pregnant women bouncing on them and could burst. You certainly wouldn't want it to burst! As I said though, mine was fine.

gym balls have weight limit on them -depending on the ball it's anything between 15st &21st (the ones I've seen anyway)

as long as you are under the weight limit you will be fine :)

So just the weight limit thing then ay? No idea how heavy I will end up, presumably not 21 st so if I went for one like that I am sure it will be fine.. Thanks for your answers, very helpful :)

I bought an Adidas anti-burst one from Argos last week, should have been £24.99, was reduced to £9.99.

Bargain - and nice and big - I'm tall, so needed a 75cm bouncer!

Been on it for a week, each night, no sign of needing a re-pump yet!

I laboured on a giant space hopper at home and that did the trick!!

I am an average size I think I have short legs though, and wear petite jeans so not sure if a 55 cm would be better -up to 5"3 although I am 5"5. I will look at argos, sounds like my kind of price! :)

What is the likelihood I am going to put on 1st and 10lbs in 8-10 weeks?

This is probably a really silly question but what are we meant to use them for?

I used one when I was in labour and it was soo much comfier to sit on. It is supposed to open up the pelvis and help baby's positioning too. Probably a lot of other stuff to but for me somewhere comfy to sit. + Good for postnatal exercises. The link I posted in OP, has a book to tell you about it :)

I got one from Argos £4.99 so I can do exercises for my pelvic pain.

It has been really good. It was recommended by a hospital physio.

Before purchasing one you should always read what size is recommended to your height.

Tricky Loads of stuff -

For bouncing on pre-labour, the way you have to sit on them to keep steady, makes your pelvis open up. I used one from 34 wks with my first. My labour was about 2.5 hours. Started even earlier this time (25wks) as I find it comfy for my back/hips.

During labour its comfortable, to sit on, but also to lean against, on your knees, with your knees to either side - again opening up the pelvis.

And for using as an exercise aid afterwards! :)

I used to sit on my exercise ball when I got too big to be comfy on the sofa.

X-posts with Purple - took me ages to write that?!

I used my gym ball last time and it was great. I hadn't even heard if a birthing ball then. I am definitely using it again this time.

I used a gym ball, got the one from Argos were all tge reviews said you need to be a short arse to use it, I am.

They are both the same. Just add birth/pregnancy/baby to the beginning of it it doubles the price

I think I might go with the birthing one on that site, purely because it has a pump with it! I don't think I have a suitable pump otherwise, apart from a diddy one to pump up my pram tyres or a massive electrical one for air beds and the like. So possibly works out cheaper?

If possible it is best to get an anti burst ball (whether it's called a gym or birth ball) then if it gets a hole it will deflate slowly rather than dumping you on the floor. I got mine from here www.tens.co.uk/acatalog/TeNS_UK_Birth_Balls.html?gclid=CKiKwd3LuK0CFYEmtAodEnarWA when i ordered it, it came with a really good pump for free and a sheet of exercises. Looking on the website you have to pay half price for the pump now but for a 65cm one with pump and exercise sheet it's £23. They are made by the same company that make the Birthease ones but under their other company name. It's a great ball.

Tens ball sounds like a rip off.

I actually got it all for £15 inc delivery as they had an offer on when i bought it so a good deal. But thought I'd share as it's a really good ball and pump and the exercise sheets are really usefull.

erm what should i be doing on the ball which is sitting on the spare bed? Can you tell me as I used to use it for sit ups but don't know it would be useful in pregnancy (18 weeks) yayyyy ?

My local Lidl (Gloucester) have them on sale this week - anti burst 65cm for £6.99. I'm not sure how nationwide their weekly offers spread.

This thread has made me think about maybe getting a ball. I'm 31 weeks when would I start using it? Is it just for labour or are they good to sit/bounce on before labour?

I'm a bit clueless sorry. Do I buy one now and start working the muscles or do I have plenty time as they are just for the actual birth?

Amazon have some nice cheap ones too, from what I can work out. I will be having a look in Lidl tho!

they are good to sit on each day with your legs slightly apart, feet flat on the floor, bum back and pelvis tilted forward. You can bounce gently up and down. Apparantly this helps to get baby in the correct position. It also helps to strengthen your core muscles - good for helping to stop tummy muscles splitting and for getting back in shape after the birth.

You can also do gentle stretches - arms up to the side and lean over. Also hip rotations - back and forwards, side to side or complete circles.

Again helps with strengthening muscles and getting baby in the correct position.

The balls can also be really comfy to sit on if you have back ache. You can also do your pelvic floor exercises on them.

You can use them in labour for doing the same movements or leaning over - anthing that feels good and relives pain and pressure.

If you search on google for birthing ball exercises there are some good links and also some you tube videos.