Exercise balls

[waitingimpatiently]

I got a free exercise ball from the baby show last weekend, and I've heard they're good for pregnancy and labour.
Does anyone know any good exercises for pregnancy and labour on the ball and why they may be helpful?
Also, has anyones popped on them? I'm terrified mine will burst.
Thanks guys

Am sitting on mine now! I have PGP and my hips ache if I sit on a flat chair for too long. It is great.
Later on, bouncing while leaning forward may encourage baby into a better position (see www.spinningbabies.com). For labour, you can try kneeling up resting your arms on the ball, or lots of other positions. Sure someone else will have better links and suggestions

Links for more ideas on the use of these before and during labour: Birth Ball Uses by Connie Banack, Having a Ball by Kelly Burgess, Doula Lorie, Using a Birth Ball by Angela England - all links can be found here. Off to have a read myself.

Seems only two of the links work (#2 and #4) - good info there though .

My waters broke when I was on my ball last pregnancy, so I can recommend a bit of bouncing around your due date!

Before then, I use mine to sit on when my hips/back ache and it really helps. Quite nice to kneel on the floor next to the ball and flop my upper body and arms over the top.

But this isn't exercise, which was your original question! Sorry, I just use mine to ease out my joints.

they're fab and if you were given it at the baby show it should be anti-burst so you should be safe. I do various leg exercises, squats and great for stretching out and remember just sitting on it engages the core because you have to balance.

They are also great for sitting on when doing your ironing.

just bought a new one at Tesco £3.33 bargain.

Have used balls for years as a personal trainer, and have never heard of one bursting!!! (even though you may feel very heavy at the end!!).