birthing ball - is a normal gym/exercise ball OK?

[froggy16]

Hi, I had a birthing ball with ds and dd, and as I thought that was it I sold it! Now pregnant with number 3, I don't want to spend money on another if my gym ball will be just as good. Does anybody know the difference between the two balls?!!

Don't know the difference, but I used a gym ball for my homebirth and it was fine.

MW said they are the same - think sainsburys had some for about £5 recently

Yes, and a lot cheaper. About a fiver from Argos.

My Sainsbury had them for £3.50, but they sold out Argos do them though.

I think it's all to do with how much maximum weight they can take - as long as yours has a max higher than you are then it's fine.

I've just had to get one for yoga class I'm starting next week and its a special one from 'birthease' Can't remember the website. It has an anti-burst thingy whereby if the outside gets punctured there's an inner ball so you don't fall on your arse. It comes in different sizes as apparently a birthing ball has to be bigger than an ordinary gym ball (but then again they are trying to flog them!) I'm very happy with mine, its lilac and smells yummy, like vanilla sugar. I've been balancing on it in front of the tv all weekend.

What Nabster says, except the Argos gym balls don't come with a pump, so you'll need a bike/electric one.

I had a gym ball but it was a bit small - too low as I recall.

I really noticed the difference when I used my friends proper birthing ball.

Asda have gym ball for less than a fiver which come with a pump. Did me for my pregnancy.

As long as your hips are higher than your knees the size of the ball should be fine

Thanks everyone, I lost my conection yesterday just after posting, so I've only just been able to read these!!

I've heard of a gym one bursting. The difference is stength I think.