Pregnancy balls: Amazon.com: GalSports Pregnancy Ball – Birthing Ball for Workout Yoga Stability, Pregnancy Safety Materials for Maternity Physio & Recovery Plan Included, Labor Exercise Ball with Quick Pump : Sports & Outdoors
What Are They and How Can You Use Them?
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.
Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.
Read more about our vetting process.
You’ve probably seen exercise balls in yoga classes and at the gym. But these inflated balls aren’t only great for workouts. You can also use them during pregnancy, labor, and even after giving birth — and when used in this manner, they’re often referred to as birthing balls.
Here’s what you need to know about birthing balls, including why some women consider them a godsend during pregnancy and labor.
Birthing balls are essentially the same as exercise balls. They’re both made from a durable material that makes them extremely difficult to puncture. But exercise balls used at the gym tend to be smaller than birthing balls.
Birthing balls are larger for comfort and have an anti-slip finish. This is a must-have feature for sitting on the ball for long periods without slipping off.
So why are birthing balls frequently used during pregnancy, labor, and even after birth?
To put it simply, birthing balls can reduce pain and help you feel more comfortable during labor. Many birthing balls are round, but some are also in the shape of a peanut.
Peanut balls are made from the same material as a round birthing ball. But instead of being round, these balls are larger on the ends and have a narrow middle, like a peanut. You can’t use a regular birthing ball while lying down in bed — but you can use a peanut ball in this position.
It’s easier to get into a comfortable, relaxed position while resting or sleeping since you’re able to lift your legs over or around a peanut ball.
There are no rules that say you have to use a birthing ball during pregnancy or labor. Many women don’t.
But a 2015 review of studies suggests that using a birthing ball (either a round or peanut ball) can be beneficial in many ways.
Let’s face facts. Pregnancy and delivery can be hard on the body. And while everyone’s experience is different, many women have the same general complaints of back pain, stress, and pelvic or abdominal pain. According to some personal testimonies, a birthing ball can improve some of these symptoms, allowing for a smoother labor and delivery.
But don’t think you have to wait until labor to use a birthing ball. A ball can also help relieve pain and pressure in the months or weeks leading up to delivery.
Sitting on the couch, a chair, or any flat surface can be uncomfortable during pregnancy. On the other hand, the curve of a birthing ball might relieve pressure in your pelvis, lower back, and spine.
Sitting on the ball in an upright position can also encourage the opening of your pelvic muscles, allowing room for the baby to descend into the pelvis in preparation for birth.
There’s also evidence suggesting that using a birthing ball during labor can reduce stress and anxiety, as well as labor pain.
In one 2013 study, 203 pregnant women admitted to the hospital with labor pains completed 30 minutes of birthing ball exercises. When researchers measured their pain and anxiety level after the exercises, the women reported significant improvements.
There’s even research suggesting that a peanut ball can result in shorter active labor, although more studies are needed.
If a birthing ball has these potential benefits, you might wonder whether a birthing ball could also induce labor. Although some women might go into labor while sitting, rotating, or bouncing on a birthing ball, there’s no evidence to suggest that these balls can induce labor or break your water.
To be comfortable on a birthing ball, it’s important to choose the right size ball based on your size and height. Birthing balls aren’t one size fits all. They usually come in small, medium, or large. Some birthing balls are sold fully inflated, but other balls must be inflated after purchase.
For the most part, you should be able to sit on a birthing ball with your feet planted flat on the floor. If you’re on your tippy toes while sitting, the ball is too large. And if your knees are positioned higher than your stomach, the ball is too small.
As a general guideline, ball sizes correspond to height.
- if you’re 5-foot 4 inches or shorter: 55 cm
- if you’re 5-foot 4 to 10 inches: 65 cm
- if you’re 5-foot 10 inches or taller: 75 cm
Keep in mind that recommendations can vary depending on the ball.
So read the package label to see the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Some manufacturers may recommend a different ball size based on your height and weight. Choosing the right size is important because sitting too high or too low to the ground could irritate your back and knees.
If you’re using a birthing ball for the first time while pregnant, do so with the assistance of another person to prevent accidentally slipping off.
Shop for birthing balls online.
Now that you know how to purchase a birthing ball, here are some suggestions for how to use the ball during pregnancy, labor and after delivery.
During pregnancy
Lower back pain doesn’t only develop during labor. Some women also experience pain during pregnancy. If so, sitting on a birthing ball at work or while watching TV may relieve some of this pressure and help you feel more comfortable.
Sitting on a birthing ball is also great exercise. It can strengthen your stomach and back muscles, improve your posture, and prepare your body for delivery.
Sitting in an upright position can also change your baby from a posterior position to an anterior position, which may also relieve back pain.
During labor
Finding a comfortable position during labor is difficult. Yet, using a birthing ball and experimenting with different positions can help ease pelvic or spinal pressure.
You can sit on a birthing ball and rock from side to side, or from front to back. Some women also sit on a birthing ball while leaning forward on a table or bed, so that their partner can massage their back.
Getting into a hands and knees position while using a birthing ball may also take pressure off your lower back and pelvis. Place a pillow on the floor, and with your knees on the pillow, lean forward and hug the birthing ball.
This position can provide comfort if you’re nearing the pushing stage and can’t sit due to pelvic pressure.
If you’re using a peanut ball, you may want to use it to support your legs or body while you’re in the bed.
There are various positions you can try to increase your comfort during labor.
After giving birth
After giving birth, it’s only natural to have pain or pressure in the area between your vagina and anus. So sitting down can be uncomfortable.
You can slightly deflate the birthing ball to make it softer and more comfortable. This way, you can sit on the ball while watching TV or relaxing, or while breastfeeding or rocking a fussy baby.
Once you’re feeling up to it, use your birthing ball for exercise or to help strengthen yourself postpartum.
Bouncing exercise
For this exercise, you’ll gently bounce on a birthing ball for a few minutes at a time. This exercise can improve stability and balance and strengthen your legs.
Hula hoop exercise
Strengthen and tone your core with a birthing ball. Sit on the ball with your hands on your hips, and then rotate your hips in a circular motion as if you’re hula hooping.
V-sit
Lie on the floor on your back with your legs elevated and ankles resting on top of the birthing ball.
Slowly raise your upper body until you form a V-shape. Keep your hips on the floor. Hold this position for 5 counts and then slowly lower your upper body to the floor. Repeat for the desired number of reps to strengthen and tone your legs and abdomen.
Overhead ball squat
Stand in the position of a traditional squat with your feet shoulder-width apart. Hold the birthing ball in front of your body. Bend your knees and squat, as if you’re about to sit in an imaginary chair. As you squat, raise the birthing ball overhead. Hold his position for about 5 counts and then return to starting position. Repeat the desired number of reps to strengthen your legs, thighs, abdomen, and arms.
A birthing ball can provide a lot of comfort before and during labor. It can help relieve back pain, decrease pelvic pressure, and it might even shorten labor. The one thing it can’t do, though, is induce labor. And the best thing about a birthing ball, you can use it after birth to sit comfortably or get into shape.
What Are They and How Can You Use Them?
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.
Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.
Read more about our vetting process.
You’ve probably seen exercise balls in yoga classes and at the gym.
But these inflated balls aren’t only great for workouts. You can also use them during pregnancy, labor, and even after giving birth — and when used in this manner, they’re often referred to as birthing balls.
Here’s what you need to know about birthing balls, including why some women consider them a godsend during pregnancy and labor.
Birthing balls are essentially the same as exercise balls. They’re both made from a durable material that makes them extremely difficult to puncture. But exercise balls used at the gym tend to be smaller than birthing balls.
Birthing balls are larger for comfort and have an anti-slip finish. This is a must-have feature for sitting on the ball for long periods without slipping off.
So why are birthing balls frequently used during pregnancy, labor, and even after birth?
To put it simply, birthing balls can reduce pain and help you feel more comfortable during labor. Many birthing balls are round, but some are also in the shape of a peanut.
Peanut balls are made from the same material as a round birthing ball. But instead of being round, these balls are larger on the ends and have a narrow middle, like a peanut. You can’t use a regular birthing ball while lying down in bed — but you can use a peanut ball in this position.
It’s easier to get into a comfortable, relaxed position while resting or sleeping since you’re able to lift your legs over or around a peanut ball.
There are no rules that say you have to use a birthing ball during pregnancy or labor. Many women don’t.
But a 2015 review of studies suggests that using a birthing ball (either a round or peanut ball) can be beneficial in many ways.
Let’s face facts. Pregnancy and delivery can be hard on the body. And while everyone’s experience is different, many women have the same general complaints of back pain, stress, and pelvic or abdominal pain. According to some personal testimonies, a birthing ball can improve some of these symptoms, allowing for a smoother labor and delivery.
But don’t think you have to wait until labor to use a birthing ball. A ball can also help relieve pain and pressure in the months or weeks leading up to delivery.
Sitting on the couch, a chair, or any flat surface can be uncomfortable during pregnancy. On the other hand, the curve of a birthing ball might relieve pressure in your pelvis, lower back, and spine.
Sitting on the ball in an upright position can also encourage the opening of your pelvic muscles, allowing room for the baby to descend into the pelvis in preparation for birth.
There’s also evidence suggesting that using a birthing ball during labor can reduce stress and anxiety, as well as labor pain.
In one 2013 study, 203 pregnant women admitted to the hospital with labor pains completed 30 minutes of birthing ball exercises. When researchers measured their pain and anxiety level after the exercises, the women reported significant improvements.
There’s even research suggesting that a peanut ball can result in shorter active labor, although more studies are needed.
If a birthing ball has these potential benefits, you might wonder whether a birthing ball could also induce labor. Although some women might go into labor while sitting, rotating, or bouncing on a birthing ball, there’s no evidence to suggest that these balls can induce labor or break your water.
To be comfortable on a birthing ball, it’s important to choose the right size ball based on your size and height. Birthing balls aren’t one size fits all. They usually come in small, medium, or large. Some birthing balls are sold fully inflated, but other balls must be inflated after purchase.
For the most part, you should be able to sit on a birthing ball with your feet planted flat on the floor. If you’re on your tippy toes while sitting, the ball is too large. And if your knees are positioned higher than your stomach, the ball is too small.
As a general guideline, ball sizes correspond to height.
- if you’re 5-foot 4 inches or shorter: 55 cm
- if you’re 5-foot 4 to 10 inches: 65 cm
- if you’re 5-foot 10 inches or taller: 75 cm
Keep in mind that recommendations can vary depending on the ball.
So read the package label to see the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Some manufacturers may recommend a different ball size based on your height and weight. Choosing the right size is important because sitting too high or too low to the ground could irritate your back and knees.
If you’re using a birthing ball for the first time while pregnant, do so with the assistance of another person to prevent accidentally slipping off.
Shop for birthing balls online.
Now that you know how to purchase a birthing ball, here are some suggestions for how to use the ball during pregnancy, labor and after delivery.
During pregnancy
Lower back pain doesn’t only develop during labor. Some women also experience pain during pregnancy. If so, sitting on a birthing ball at work or while watching TV may relieve some of this pressure and help you feel more comfortable.
Sitting on a birthing ball is also great exercise. It can strengthen your stomach and back muscles, improve your posture, and prepare your body for delivery.
Sitting in an upright position can also change your baby from a posterior position to an anterior position, which may also relieve back pain.
During labor
Finding a comfortable position during labor is difficult. Yet, using a birthing ball and experimenting with different positions can help ease pelvic or spinal pressure.
You can sit on a birthing ball and rock from side to side, or from front to back. Some women also sit on a birthing ball while leaning forward on a table or bed, so that their partner can massage their back.
Getting into a hands and knees position while using a birthing ball may also take pressure off your lower back and pelvis. Place a pillow on the floor, and with your knees on the pillow, lean forward and hug the birthing ball.
This position can provide comfort if you’re nearing the pushing stage and can’t sit due to pelvic pressure.
If you’re using a peanut ball, you may want to use it to support your legs or body while you’re in the bed.
There are various positions you can try to increase your comfort during labor.
After giving birth
After giving birth, it’s only natural to have pain or pressure in the area between your vagina and anus. So sitting down can be uncomfortable.
You can slightly deflate the birthing ball to make it softer and more comfortable. This way, you can sit on the ball while watching TV or relaxing, or while breastfeeding or rocking a fussy baby.
Once you’re feeling up to it, use your birthing ball for exercise or to help strengthen yourself postpartum.
Bouncing exercise
For this exercise, you’ll gently bounce on a birthing ball for a few minutes at a time. This exercise can improve stability and balance and strengthen your legs.
Hula hoop exercise
Strengthen and tone your core with a birthing ball. Sit on the ball with your hands on your hips, and then rotate your hips in a circular motion as if you’re hula hooping.
V-sit
Lie on the floor on your back with your legs elevated and ankles resting on top of the birthing ball.
Slowly raise your upper body until you form a V-shape. Keep your hips on the floor. Hold this position for 5 counts and then slowly lower your upper body to the floor. Repeat for the desired number of reps to strengthen and tone your legs and abdomen.
Overhead ball squat
Stand in the position of a traditional squat with your feet shoulder-width apart. Hold the birthing ball in front of your body. Bend your knees and squat, as if you’re about to sit in an imaginary chair. As you squat, raise the birthing ball overhead. Hold his position for about 5 counts and then return to starting position. Repeat the desired number of reps to strengthen your legs, thighs, abdomen, and arms.
A birthing ball can provide a lot of comfort before and during labor. It can help relieve back pain, decrease pelvic pressure, and it might even shorten labor. The one thing it can’t do, though, is induce labor. And the best thing about a birthing ball, you can use it after birth to sit comfortably or get into shape.
Fitball for pregnant women
Fitball for pregnant women
What is a fitball
Fitball is a large rubber ball designed for exercise. Sometimes it is also called the Swiss ball, as it was invented in Switzerland. The fitball is made of special durable and elastic rubber using a special technology. The right fitball is able to withstand high loads and does not explode if damaged, but slowly deflates. Probably, today, this is one of the safest and most enjoyable sports simulators. nine0007
Recently fitball has become deservedly very popular and is used not only in gyms, but also at home. Performing various exercises on a fitball is useful not only to maintain good physical shape, but also to improve health and prevent many diseases of the musculoskeletal system. There are practically no age restrictions for this, you can start doing gymnastics on a fitball even for babies.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR GYMNASTIC BALL “FITBALL”
A woman and a ball
The fitball is especially widely used in pregnant women, women in childbirth and women in the postpartum period.
Increasingly, you can find these rubber balls of various colors and sizes in maternity hospitals, in apartments where the birth of a baby is expected or there are already small children. The fact is that during pregnancy and during childbirth, the condition of the muscles in a woman, their fitness and ability to stretch is of great importance. The stronger the muscles of the abdomen, legs and perineum, the easier it is to bear a child and give birth. And since sports and exercise on simulators during pregnancy and in the early postpartum period are contraindicated or limited in most cases, the fitball is the best fit for training, strengthening and restoring muscles. nine0007
The principle of training on the ball is very simple: the round shape of the ball and its elasticity allows you to perform movements of different amplitudes, and the instability and mobility of the ball makes you maintain balance by tensing certain muscle groups.
It is best to start exercising on the fitball some time before the planned pregnancy, or at the end of the first trimester of the onset of pregnancy, when poor health and toxicosis subside.
It is better for a pregnant woman to master fitball under the guidance of an instructor and start with minimal loads. Classes should bring pleasure and pleasant emotions, so you should be serious about choosing a ball. nine0007
What you should pay attention to when buying a fitball
- A woman should like the color of the ball, because, given the special position of the pregnant woman, nothing should irritate visual perception. Moreover, communication with this subject will be long and daily. Let it be your favorite color.
- The size of the fitball is important and depends on the size of the woman herself. The diameter of the ball should roughly correspond to the length of the arm. Or you can focus on the growth of a pregnant woman – the diameter of the fitball in this case is calculated by the formula: the height of a woman in cm minus 100 cm. Thus, if the height is 165 cm, then the diameter of the fitball should be about 65 cm.
- The degree of elasticity of the fitball is also an important parameter. The ball should be inflated to the size indicated on the package. Balls that are too hard or balls that are too soft are undesirable. This will reduce the effectiveness of the lessons.
- The presence of special “horns” adds convenience when performing exercises. Also, thanks to these handles, it is easy to carry the ball. Subsequently, they will be useful for children’s activities, it is convenient for a child to hold on to them.
Indications for use of the ball during pregnancy
1. Strengthen the muscles of the abdomen, back, thighs and perineum.
2. Reducing tension and pain in the lumbar region and back.
3. Normalization of blood circulation in the pelvic area.
4. Improved sense of balance.
5. Performing Kegel exercises that promote the development of the muscles of the vagina, which play an important role in the process of childbirth.
6. Acceleration of involution (recovery) of the genital organs after childbirth. nine0007
7. Improving the mobility of the ligaments of the pelvis and hip joints.
8. Relief of labor pains.
In addition, exercise on the ball helps a woman learn to relax, alternate between muscle tension and relaxation, which is a useful skill for the upcoming birth. Many women prefer to endure labor pains on a fitball, this relaxes the muscles of the pelvic floor and reduces the load on the spine, which greatly facilitates the general condition of the woman in labor.
Contraindications to fitball exercises during pregnancy
There are not so many contraindications, but they still exist. Therefore, before using the ball for physical activities, you should consult with your gynecologist. As a rule, exercises on the ball are contraindicated in case of increased uterine tone, the threat of miscarriage, some pathologies of the course of pregnancy, cervical incompetence.
And there are also chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system and internal organs, in which fitball exercises are undesirable. nine0007
So, if there are no serious reasons to avoid physical activity and the doctor has allowed gymnastics on the fitball, then you can start exercising.
Exercise techniques
The optimal exercise regimen for pregnant women is 2-3 times a week. You should start gradually, from 10-15 minutes, bringing the duration of classes to an hour. Often in groups for pregnant women, fitball exercises are combined with a special complex of physiotherapy exercises. Before gymnastics it is recommended to carry out a small warm-up. nine0007
- Exercises for the lower back and back muscles.
a) Sitting on the ball and leaning on it with your hands, perform circular movements of the pelvis clockwise and counterclockwise, forward-backward, right-left. This exercise perfectly relaxes the muscles of the lower back and pelvis, improves the elasticity of the cervix and reduces pain during contractions.
b) Sitting on the fitball with your legs wide apart, turn your body to the right and left, trying to reach the toes of the opposite leg with your hand. This exercise improves the stretch of the lumbar muscles.
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- An exercise to strengthen and improve the stretch of the leg muscles.
Sitting on the floor, pinch the ball with your knees as hard as possible. Repeat several times with rest breaks.
- Strengthening the muscles of the arms and chest muscles.
While standing, grasp the ball in front of you with your arms outstretched. Repeat several times.
- Strengthening of the spine and shoulder muscles.
Standing in front of the ball and keeping your feet on the floor, bend over and roll the fitball away from you, then back. At the same time, try to stretch the muscles of the back, spine and muscles of the shoulder girdle as much as possible.
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- Exercise to stretch the hips and strengthen the gluteal muscles, improve joint mobility.
Leaning your chest on the ball and kneeling, swing your left and right legs alternately up with the maximum possible amplitude. Hands at the same time lie on the ball under the chin.
- Relaxing exercises.
Sitting on your knees on the floor, lean your chest on the ball and hug it with your arms, while the back muscles are relaxed, the back is arched. This position will help you relax between contractions and provide short rest for tense muscles. The ability to relax in childbirth is no less important than the ability to push well. Complete relaxation deepens breathing, which means it improves blood circulation and oxygen supply to the placenta, which is very important for the fetus. nine0007
Kegel exercises on the ball
Performing this set of exercises helps to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor and vagina.
This is important not only in childbirth to ensure the correct passage of the child through the birth canal and reduce the risk of ruptures, but also in the ordinary life of a woman.
Most often, most women do not pay due attention to this muscle group and are not even aware of the possibility of controlling them. In fact, strengthening the muscles of the vagina and the ability to regulate the strength of their contraction can significantly improve the quality of the sexual life of a woman and her partner. It will also help in the future to avoid some problems in the intimate sphere and diseases of the genitourinary system. nine0007
The deep muscles of the pelvis are mainly used in the process of urination, when it is necessary to hold back the stream of urine, the woman contracts them. The force of muscle contraction is small. Through regular training, you can achieve conscious control of these muscles and increase the strength of contraction and relaxation.
There is a specially designed set of exercises aimed at controlling the muscular system of the pelvic floor, named after Dr.
Kegel, who invented it. The essence of this complex is to perform a series of successive contractions and relaxations of muscles in a certain rhythm. Exercises develop the corresponding muscles quite effectively, and in combination with the use of a fitball, you can achieve the best results. nine0007
Sitting on the ball, it is necessary to contract the muscles of the vagina, simultaneously pressing the pelvis on the ball, then the maximum tension of the muscles and stopping the movement on the ball, followed by gradual relaxation and return to the starting position.
Classes on the fitball do not take much time and effort on the part of a woman. But the results justify these efforts. The ability to have strong muscles, a slender and healthy body, to easily endure and give birth to a child, to lead an active lifestyle without unnecessary expenses for visiting gyms and massage parlors is a good reason to have such a simple and very useful item at home as fitball. Having mastered the basic sets of exercises and the rules for using the fitball, every woman will appreciate this home simulator for the benefit of her health and the health of her own family.
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Pregnancy pillow BioSleep “C”, color Balls
IN STOCK
Pregnancy pillow BioSleep “C” one-sided, small, very comfortable. Relieves tension either from the back or abdomen . Suitable for small beds, for children, and can also act as an additional element when fixing the body for a comfortable position. It will also support the fragile back of the child.
Pregnancy pillow BioSleep “C” will be useful to you even after the birth of your child. It will help the mother to create convenience and comfort during prolonged feeding and can replace an additional pillow under the lower back or under the elbow. Products are hypoallergenic, which will allow you to use it for a child.
Pillow + pillowcase included.
Cushion dimensions (select size before ordering):
- length S (170cm) / M (190cm) (on the outer edge)
- width 30cm
- Holofiber – ideal for those who prefer environmentally friendly materials, creates a springy structure. Pillows based on holofiber have a long service life, do not retain odors, and this material does not support combustion. nine0025 Choice of fans of springy pillows.
- Styrofoam – absolutely does not cause allergies is lightweight, practical to use and immune to the effects of microorganisms, mold, mites. When sewing pillows, balls up to 1 mm are used, due to the friability of the material and the ability of the finished pillow to take the shape of the body, expanded polystyrene provides comfort and convenience during rest and sleep. The choice of body-shaped pillow lovers. nine0026
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Size S (170cm) is suitable for heights up to 160cm, and if the height is more than 160cm, then size M (190cm) is needed
Filling (choose filling before ordering): holofiber or styrofoam (beads <1mm)
Pillows based on holofiber have a long service life, do not retain odors, and this material does not support combustion. nine0025 Choice of fans of springy pillows. Pillowcase material :
- 100% cotton.
The pillow is packed in a gift bag.
BioSon is a Russian company specializing in the production of pillows for pregnant women, nursing mothers and children. “BioSon” is a large selection of shapes, colors and models, excellent quality, affordable price.