Birthing ball??

[usandbump]

Is a birthing ball exactly the same as a gym ball?

according to my mw yes

Think so. Just more expensive (the ones that call themselves birthing balls).

Actually the advice is, not to use a gym ball during pregnancy as a substitute for a birth ball because although they are basically the same, a birth ball is reinforced and extra safe so if it does puncture etc you don't end up falling on your arse (or worse) with a bump! HTH

Yes. But get a good quality one - at 9m pg you're substantially heavier than the gym lovely shown in the illustrations!

Thank you, very true about the weight
I am due on Monday and have decided I want one but can't find a birthing ball in my local shops but there are plenty of gym balls. Think I'll get one but a good quality one as you say.

Good luck .

BTW, I found that a really brilliant way of relaxing and easing my lower back in late pg was to slightly deflate the ball and drape myself quite far over it. Kneeling, knees slightly to either side of the ball, a pillow between bum and heels in case I wanted to sit back. Deflating allowed my bump to press into the ball without causing me discomfort and I could rock in whichever direction I wished.

i got a gym ball from argos for £4 and it was wonderful and managed to support me at 17 stone!

Just to say a birthing ball is absolutely brilliant during labour

Sounds great

My back is killing me so going to get one first thing.

The £4 argos one says it can take a maximum body weight of 20 stone so I am sure it would be fine to use as a birthing ball during pregnancy/birth. I am considering getting one myself.

I hated it during labour, much to my surprise. But I liked it in late pregnancy, and sitting on it while holding DS and then bouncing gently was a brilliant way to get him off to sleep once he was here.

As long as you don't inflate to maximum, a gym ball is quite safe. I used mine 3 years ago and have just got it back out of the cupboard for this time round!