What exercise/birthing ball to get? or is a space hopper better?

[frogalou]

I would like a ball to sit on rather than sitting on the sofa so my back to back baby may turn before D Day.

Is there a tip to get a birthing/exercise ball so I can sit on it rather than the sofa? The ones labelled 'birthing' on amazon seem to be twice the price of the ones called 'exercise'.... are they different? Is a space hopper a more stable option?!

I bought an exercise ball from tescos for about £3. It was fine.

I've got an exercise ball and it seems ok, but I do worry about it exploding as it was very cheap and I am very heavy! It's also a teeny bit too small as I'm quite tall. Did mean to buy a proper one for this time but haven't got around to it.

LOVE the idea of a space hopper! Not even going to mention it to DP or he will be straight down to argos - I have enough trouble stopping him playing footie with the exercise ball (and toddler thinks it's wonderful for Indiana Jones-style chases)

Same as banana pie. A big blue thing.

Think if you're over 5ft 6 think you need a 75cm ball. I originally bought an exercise ball in Tesco (65 or 55) but was told at NCT it was too small. Your hips have to be higher than knees- or something!

I have a Birth Ease one now.

I used the tesco one. In probably too tall for it, but it was amazing. I must get DP to get it from the garage for me. 7 weeks to go to DC3

Apparently you need to get one where your knees will be lower than your hips. Is this true? Something about best positioning (and also ability to get off it?)

I am keen to get an anti burst one. I saw people's ball burst, and admittedly it was hilarious at the time (no one was injured!), I am not sure if would be so funny if i was mid-labour when it happened!
www.birthease.co.uk/birthease_shop/Birth-Birthing-Ball.shtml
I will check out birthease, thanks!

Just wanted to add - try not to worry too much about your baby being OP. The vast majority of them turn before labour or during the latent phase.

Try Spinning Babies for more information

ive already got a space hopper so im not bothering buying a ball

Just saw a 65 ins in one in Argos with a pump for £6.99 if that helps - was going to buy myself but am ridiculously indecisive at the moment!

I went for the birthease just now.... bit more pricey but it is anti burst, and it comes with exercises and tips for pre birth and for labour.... I could not resist! Surely it will come handy when I have to do abs after the birth :S

Oh please get a space hopper.. and take it to hospital.. I'm sitting hugging my knees giggling at the look on the faces of people at the hospital as you wander in with a bouncy hopper.

I would have gone for a space hopper but they are quite small, and not anti burst... there is a niche in the market!

Finally an advantage to being only 5 foot tall... I shall remember this thread for when we decide to try for DC2.