Birthing Balls - where can I get a nice cheap one?

[bohemianbint]

Or can you use any old exercise ball?

yes any exercise ball will do
argos have a decent deal on, or you could ask an MNer to lend you one?

I have no idea what the difference is between an exercise ball and pregnancy ball! I think the most important thing is that it's the right size for you.

Ooh, that was quick, thanks! How do you know if it's the right size?

I've just googled:

'It is important to buy a birth ball the correct size. For an average woman 5'5" this will be a 65cm ball. If you are much shorter you'll want the smaller 55 cm size or much taller you'd want the larger size. Check to make sure it's the right fit for you by sitting directly on top, feet flat on the floor. Your legs should be at a 90 degree angle. If your knees are too high it may cause strain on your hips.'

I had this one and it was fab. No need to spend more for a specific birthing ball ball. There is another one at Argos so have a look.

Ahhh, I', 5'9 and can only see 65cm ones on the argos website!

NotaBanana - I had the exact same ball a few years ago and was going to just use it again but I've lost the pin thingy so it won't stay up!

hatrick, would really appreciate a link if you find a larger one!

I got one at a sports shop on the high street for about £8. I'm 5'2", so regular gym ball works fine for me. Argos is even cheaper - but if you can only get to your local sports shop, it should be £10 or under for a gym ball The maternity shops sell them for £20 or so usually (not worth it unless you are taller and they have bigger ones).
I LOVE the ball! I sit/bounce on it while I eat my meals and while I'm watching TV and on MN...
What else are you supposed to do on the ball? Are there specific exercises I should add in? Surely just sitting and bouncing isn't all it's meant for?

Found this one but seems a bit steep!

star, I was told last time you were supposed to rotate your hips slightly on it to optimise the baby's position? And also if you kneel and lean forwards onto it it encourages the baby not to be back to back. Apparently...

Cheers hatrick, I just found those! I can't work out whether to go for it, wasn't planning on spending £22!

i bought mine form nct website is a proper birthing ball really good the main difference between birthing ones and sports ones is that they are much sturdier and designed not to pop.

I have two of the gym balls which I used throughout pregnancy. I started with a 65cm from argos which was meant to be right for my height (5'6") but felt really uncomfortable on it so ended up buying a 75cm reebok one which was much better. I think the argos one was £5 (we were recommended this one in antenatal class!) and the reebok was £12. I was going to carboot them actually but if anyone wants them let me know.

I put a "wanted" on freecycle and got offered 5 straight away - try there first

I'm 5 foot 6 and the link I used showed the one I found and it was fine for me but I wouldn't say I was that tall really.

TESCO EXTRA comes with pump 7.50!

8 for a 75cm one!!!

TESCO!!

sorry i got ripped off, and brought oen from ebay, and it weas happened to be a tesco one, that they sold for a higher price, pus p&p

I got mine in a sports shop in a sale for like a fiver. A pilates ball, so a little smaller than a normal exercise ball, i think.

bohemian bint - I have one going begging if you want it. It is deflated at the mo so I'll go and search out the box and see how big it is. Is it the 65cm one you want? I am 6 ft 6 and was good for me.

also it is anti burst, and it was recommanded in my antenatal class, they said there is no difference between gym ball and materity/pregnancy ball, except the £££££££££

Mine is 65 cm diameter. It is a gym ball but worked well for me in early labour. It's yours in you want it.

even more peed off, that i paid so much money for it!!

gRRRR