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

Original poster

Birthing balls

10 replies

SB2017 · 23/10/2018 19:12

Just wondering what everyone’s opinions are on using birthing/exercise balls before labour and during. I have borrowed a friends ball to help with some back pain and my posture and I know it can’t induce labour but can it help??

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Stephisaur · 23/10/2018 21:30

We use them at pregnancy yoga. Our teacher says that they’re great for opening up your pelvis during labour and for leaning on etc to help get baby in position.

I roll about on mine most nights because it relieves the pressure on my pelvis :)

PrincessConsuelaBannanaHammock · 23/10/2018 21:31

I loved mines during pregnancy & used it most nights to help relieve pelvic pressure. Used it in the early stages of Labour, tried to sit on one in the hospital during active Labour and hated it 😂

MaderiaCycle · 23/10/2018 21:32

I found bouncing lightly on it much more comfortable than anything else during early labour

Pebblespony · 23/10/2018 21:32

Good for pelvis pain. No idea about labour as mine was too quick. You can't bring them to hospital though.

student26 · 23/10/2018 21:33

I used it and I found it really helped. It was very comfy for me during early labour.

EssentialHummus · 23/10/2018 21:34

I used it at pregnancy yoga and to bounce through early contractions. Worth the £5 imo!

TryingToStayRational · 23/10/2018 22:14

There is evidence that they can be helpful - see here for some examples - evidencebasedbirth.com/using-exercise-birth-balls-during-labor/

I’ve got one and love it. I feel like it helps me mobilise my lower back and hips etc and am hoping it will be useful in early labour too. They also have them at the hospital where I’m giving birth, though I will take my own if I’m not in too much of a rush, as I’m not sure how many they have. They were recommended at my antenatal classes (NHS and NCT) as well.

MonkeyToucher · 24/10/2018 09:23

They are also good for getting the baby into a good position for labour (as opposed to sitting on the sofa which can encourage them back to back)

And unlike a pp I took mine into hospital with me - I’m nearly 6 ft and have a larger than average ball and knew the ones provided in hospital would be too small for me. Wasn’t an issue at all

OutPinked · 24/10/2018 09:34

I used mine with my three DC right throughout the third trimester to relieve pelvic and back pain, it was great. Also used it during labour with them all.

Started using one this time at about 34 weeks for same reasons, I love it.

Newbie21 · 24/10/2018 18:58

I really liked mine during third trimester. Sat on it most nights to watch TV found it so much more comfortable than the sofa.

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