Birthing ball versus gym ball

[IfAtFirstUDontSucceed]

I'm now 36 weeks and my midwife has recommended that I look at getting a birthing ball as baby's head isn't moving down as much as she hoped.

Is there much difference between a 'birthing' ball and a bog standard gym ball (except for the inflated price tag)? Pardon the pun!!! :)

Also, I've read conflicting info online about the size I need to get. I'm 5'6"

No difference! My antenatal yoga teacher recommended the reebok ones from argos.

If I remember correctly, it should be inflated enough that your hips are higher than your knees when you sit on it!

I found the ball invaluable in early labour, it helped me stay at home til 6 cm. good luck!!

My £6 gym ball was fine both times.

Someone birthing balls have some system whereby if you burst it it deflates slowly rather than just dropping you on the floor.

I have a gym ball and it's significantly smaller than most birth balls. That's the only difference as far as I can see. I'm sure you can buy bigger gym balls though.

No difference at all providing you get the larger sized one - one of the poor women from my antenatal classes bought a gym ball and it was just too small!

As a general rule:
If you're up to 1.73m (5ft 8in) in height, it's best to get a 65cm ball.
If you're 1.75m (5ft 9in) or taller then it's best to get a 75cm ball.

A birth ball will take your weight, whatever your size. Good-quality birth and gym balls are pressure-tested to support weights up to 300kg (about 47st).

www.babycentre.co.uk/a1048463/using-a-birth-ball#ixzz2Mb4PR7hy

I bought the Davina ball from Argos (65cm and I'm 5 foot 6) and I love it. Best thing I've bought yet and really helps. My midwife told me not to waste money on a maternity ball and to buy a gym ball so I did :-)

Well I've invested in a reebok gym ball and it feels pretty robust, although a little smaller than I thought. Lets hope it does the job!

Just googling what I need to actually be doing on the thing now!