When should I start to use a birthing ball?

[HerrenatheHHHarridan]

Not sure I've got the name of that right - I mean the big bouncy ball you sit on when trying to encourage the little troublemaker darling to flip upside down.

I am at 26 weeks and most of the kicks so far seem to have been directed at my cervix! I know DS2 has got lots of room in there right now but I don't want to leave it until he's wedged in IYSWIM.

Any suggestions would be welcomed :)

Anytime you like I think. I found it to be far more comfortable to sit on than a normal chair. And during labour it was invaluable.

I've used mine since about 30wks?

It strengthens your legs, gets you used to the rocking movement, AND helps combat heartburn because you have to sit upright on it.

Even if you only do it for a bit each night, as time goes on you find it's the comfiest place to sit anyway!

Also if the purpose is to move the baby, well they can flip right up until the end so wouldn't worry too much about it at the mo.

Thanks!

I know they can move anytime, but it would just be so much easier and more reassuring if he would get into position now and obligingly stay there until he's due not like my sister who went breech 3 weeks before she was due to be born!

Although mind you, first labour experience was sufficiently unenjoyable that an ELCS due to breech baby sounds quite nice

I don't think you'll find it'll stay put until a bit later, at 29 weeks mine is wriggling about more than ever it seems, I was worried at about 26 weeks it seemed to kick low too, but now it seems all over the place so don't know when it'll settle.

Saying that, I bought a gym ball (they are pretty much same thing) and love sitting on it, it just feels comfier (even to DP at times it seems) and I like rolling it around sitting down places where I would normally stand or sit on hard chair or floor (had it out on the patio earlier watching DP mow the lawn) So I'd say get one now, but try not to worry about turning the baby.

I agree with PinkPepper - get one now, but don't worry too much about turning the baby just yet. I'm 38 weeks, and mine turned at about 34 weeks, even though I use my ball on a regular basis. I find it the most comfortable place to sit at the end of the day.