What Size Exercise Ball For Pregnancy: What Is A Birthing Ball?

Before knowing what size exercise ball for pregnancy, first, you have to familiarize yourself with birthing balls.

Birthing balls, exercise balls, yoga balls – they are essentially the same. They are round, huge ball made of soft elastic material filled with air. This ball is commonly used for exercising and workouts, and also for pregnant women. A birthing ball is thicker and has a more durable material compared to a regular exercise ball. Using a birthing ball can benefit pregnant moms during pregnancy, help induce labor, and postpartum.

Benefits Of Using A Birthing Ball

During Pregnancy

Using a birthing ball can alleviate pain and discomfort most pregnant women feel in their spine, hips, and lower back. A lot of expecting moms said that they feel more comfortable using a birthing ball than regular chairs. Some working moms prefer to use and swap it with their regular desk chair.

It is recommended to use a birthing ball during pregnancy since it helps open the hips to prepare the body for labor and delivery. Instead of sitting on a couch or chair while watching TV or eating dinner, one can use the birthing ball instead.

During Labor

Bouncing, sitting, and stretching using a birthing ball can help during labor. It may not work for everyone, but it sure helps open up the pelvis and create more space for the baby to drop naturally.

Using it during labor also helps alleviate pain and discomfort. It also helps support lower back muscles, so it is better to sit on the ball than sit in a bed.

Postpartum

Now that you have your baby, you can still make use of your birthing ball. It is a great way to put your baby to sleep. You can either carry your baby or use a baby carrier, and then sit and gently bounce on the ball until the baby falls asleep.

You can also use the ball to do various stretches and core-restoration exercises if you still have the time and energy left to do it.

Choosing A Birthing Ball

Choosing the right size of the birthing ball is essential to avoid discomfort and, in worst cases, serious injuries. So, how do you make sure that you get the right size for you?

To ensure that you are using the correct size birthing ball, sit squarely on the ball. Your feet shout be flat on the floor in front of you. Ensure that your hips are even with your knees or can be a little higher around five to eight centimeters.

According to experts, in choosing a birthing ball, go by your height. Shorter women can benefit from a 55-centimeter ball. Medium size women and tall women are recommended to use a 65-centimeter and 75-centimeter ball, respectively.

Conclusion

Using a birthing ball, sure has a lot of benefits. The most important thing, aside from the factors mentioned above, is to use it with caution. Do not repair or use damaged balls as it may put you into a difficult or dangerous situation. You and your baby’s safety must always be a priority. This is why knowing what size of an exercise ball for pregnancy is vital.