what size birthing ball do I need?

[Aniyan]

I'm about to order a birthing ball, but some sites say I should get a 55cm diameter one, and other sites say they don't sell 55cm diameter ones as the hip angle is wrong, however short you are.

I'm 160cm tall (5' 3'' in old money) - does anyone know what size I need to order?

Thanks!

I think it should be 65-70cm in diameter.

Thanks sderoz - have you used one? Did you find it helpful? I used one at the gym today and loved it - not sure what dp will think of it but ds will no doubt love it!

Hi Aniyan, well I've not given birth yet but I've been using one for backache and getting baby into position and I think it's wonderful. Am going to use it at the birth for definite.

Hi, was told by M/wife that 65sm is best as hips need to be higher than knees on birth ball.

How does a birthing ball actually work?

MamaG: I think it promotes a feeling of weightlessness? All i know is that it helps me.

So you actually sit on it? Do you sit bang on top of it, or at teh front - do you rock or sit still? Sorry to be dim!

There was one in the labour room, my MW put it on the bed, and I stood by the bed next to it and leant over it. I didn't think I'd use it but it was very good during the early stages of contractions.

MamG I think you can do all those things. I used it to lean on though as my legs were shaking too much from the contractions. I wanted to stay standing for as long as possible - I don't know why but that's what I wanted to do.

its bizarre isn't it, the things you want to do when in labour.

When I was in labour with DD, I insisted on walking to the delivery suite rather than going in the wheelchair - with hindsight I REALLY should have got in teh chair

I also insisted on brushing my teeth when MW said it was time to push

lol @ clean teeth

You can use them during pregnancy to safely exercise your core muscles - pelvic floor/lower back/abdomen, etc. Also they are very comfy

I had a free session with a personal trainer today at my gym & she took me through some great exercises - pelvic floor exercises with bells on, so to speak! All done sitting on this big bouncy ball which made it a lot less earnest and gym-ish. Now I'm inspired by all her stories of women with pelvic floors of steel!

Think I'll go for the 65cm as I'm short but with longish legs for my height.