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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Those big exercise balls...

23 replies

ellesabe · 03/08/2012 18:46

When did you start using yours and what was it useful for?
I am 25 weeks and have one ready to inflate but I'm not sure when I should start using it. We live in a v small flat with a toddler so it's not the sort of thing I want lying around if I'm not going to use if for ages!

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lindsell · 03/08/2012 19:02

I had SPD and used it to sit on every evening from about 16wks with dc2, (later with dc1 as hadn't discovered how good it was) because it was much more comfortable than the sofa. Also used to do some Pilates & pelvic floor exercises on it/using it.

AKMD · 03/08/2012 19:39

I've had one from about 20 weeks and sit on it for 30 mins a day in the vague hope that it will help strengthen my pelvic floor, back and lower abs. DS likes kicking it down the stairs!

jeee · 03/08/2012 19:43

I saw a fantastic use for these on the beach last week - dig a hole in the sand on a slope. Jump on said ball, and you can somersault or do enormous long jumps....

My DC were wildly jealous that they'd never thought of it.

I know this is completely useless to you OP, until you're 40+ weeks, and getting desperate to get the baby out. But it looked so fabulous that I really wanted to share it.

tinyshinyanddon · 03/08/2012 19:43

I sat on mine for the first time at 41w during labor. It was a life saver to bounce through those contractions! Actually told DH we would have to bring it in the car for trip to hospital til he pointed out I couldn't wear a seat belt with it.

nancerama · 03/08/2012 19:46

I used a space hopper instead. I liked the security of the horns so I couldn't roll off.

AKMD · 03/08/2012 19:55

A space hopper? Genius!

Loving the beach idea!

louisianablue2000 · 03/08/2012 19:55

I sat on one through both labours, very comfortable. Toddlers love them, my girls play with our the whole time, I should probably take it out of their room since I'm now 31 weeks and in need of it myself.

MrsReiver · 03/08/2012 20:08

What one do you have ladies? Do I need to fork out for a purpose built birthing ball, or will a gym ball do? It seems that sticking "birth" or "labour" in the name of the ball magically doubles the price.

RhinestoneCowgirl · 03/08/2012 20:12

I bought an exercise ball, but I had a fairly large one as I have long legs and the smaller ones weren't comfortable.

I used to sit on it in pregnancy, by the end it was more comfy than slouching on the sofa. It can be good for getting baby into a favourable position I think...

AKMD · 03/08/2012 20:12

I've got a bog standard one from the gym. It's a ball, surely? Although I am a bit envious of the space hopper now!

holler · 03/08/2012 20:15

Can't remember when I started using mine, but I sat and bounced a lot. Dd was in excellent position, and birth v quick.
Am 23 weeks now, and not blown it up yet. Got a pregnancy one, probably a normal one would do, but will flog on eBay to recover from being so royally ripped off!

MrsReiver · 03/08/2012 20:23

I've got a bog standard one from the gym. It's a ball, surely?

Exactly - it just seems that if you label something "maternity" or similar it's a licence to print money!

AKMD · 03/08/2012 20:30

Yes, I noticed that when buying cotton wool that the pads in the baby section are double the price of the pads in the makeup aisle. Corton wool is cotton wool, right? But then you start thinking that there must be something special about the baby cotton wool so you end up buying it just in case. Mad.

holler · 03/08/2012 21:12

I was told (prob bollocks) by nct that sports ones can just explode under your weight, but maternity ones are designed to release air slowly in case of puncture...

SweetPea3 · 03/08/2012 21:12

I think it's because the proper birth balls they're anti-burst. If they "burst" they will deflate slowly instead of popping and potentially throwing you to the floor. The birth ones are also usually bigger... apparently your hips should be 10cm above your knees

SweetPea3 · 03/08/2012 21:13

are anti-burst

Claire1209 · 03/08/2012 21:17

I use mine just to sit on its so comfy!! Brilliant for labour!! And apparently helps baby engage just bouncing on it for 20 mins or so a day! Wonderful inventions!

AKMD · 03/08/2012 21:19

Sounds like sales rubbish to me. DH and mostof the men at the gym are at least 20kg heavier than me + bump and my I haven't seen a ball burst yet. Off to search YouTube... Getting a bigger all makes sense but gym balls come in all sorts of sizes.

AnnieLobeseder · 03/08/2012 21:21

I have a regular gym ball that was lovely to sit on and rock through both my pregnancies, and a life-saver to bounce on during contractions. And you can get anti-burst gym balls too.

Just check online for the right size. With DD1 I was gutted because I'd been so happy bouncing on my 55cm ball at home (short arse), but the hospital only had 65cm ones and they were too big for my tiny legs. I stayed home with my own lovely orange ball for DD2. The only thing that beats it is getting in the birthing pool. Aaahhhhhh!

Chunkychicken · 03/08/2012 22:27

Most of the gym balls in Argos are anti-burst...

I'm 24wks & started using mine occassionally, as I attend an NCT Stretch, Relax & Breathe class and have learnt some exercises. AFAIK the following uses are possible;

help with maintaining your transverse abdominal muscles when you sit balanced, with a straight back (from the start)
allow slight rotations/stretches of the pelvic area when you 'swivel' your hips, which can help/relieve PGP (but stop if it hurts) (from the start)
help get baby is the 'right' position (from about 34wks) but maintaining an upright & forward position I.e. hips higher than knees, pelvis tilted forward, not slouching etc
provide support/motion during labour.

Obviously not an extensive list...

Again, not an expert, but 65cm is usually for women under 5'7" & 75cm for those over. Just make sure your thighs are parallel to the floor at their highest, I.e knees lower than hips, for it to provide the appropriate support. It must be fully inflated too. Inflate it almost fully at first, leave it overnight then top up so the material can stretch/acclimatise and if its hot, it doesn't over expand.

mrsbugsywugsy · 04/08/2012 09:01

I got a very cheap one from Sports World and can confirm it is antiburst after the cat dug her claws into it. It deflated slowly rather than with a massive bang, which would have probably traumatised her for life and taught her not to dig her claws into any more of my stuff

mrsbugsywugsy · 04/08/2012 09:03

Actually I borrowed a replacement one from a friend but I'm not sure if it's any good. If I fully inflate it my feet don't reach the floor and I think I'm going to fall off. Is it OK to use it half inflated or with a foot stool or do I need to buy a smaller one?

Original poster

ellesabe · 04/08/2012 11:12

Thanks everyone. I inflated my ball last night and sat on it while I endured watched Terminator with dh. It was amazing! Whenever I sit on it the baby goes berserk!

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