Gym ball/birthing ball

[Jennyxx]

Hi,
Just wondered if anyone had one and was already using one? I was thinking of getting one and using its straight away, to build up the strength in my core ready for during and after labour. I know women use them during labour so was a bit paranoid that if i start using one too early baby will think its time to make an appearance!!!

Thanks

Jenny

 

[Belfa]

I had the same worry about using it too! I used to use it for core strength years ago so I'm glad I kept mine. I'm not sure what exercises you would do in pregnancy as I know there's some internal muscles that are better to be looser for birth.

We were taught in our antenatal class just to use it as a seat for now so your posture is correct therefore encouraging baby to lie in the correct position. I think you're taught about bouncing etc later on x

ETA - we were told to have our knees below our hips, but I know when you use it for exercise your hips and knees should be level.

 

[kitten2014]

Hi Jenny, I have been using a birthing ball since approx 20weeks, used sporadically to begin with then daily when reached week 30. I dont think there is a set time to start using it but like Belfa says great for building up core muscles now and probably would hold off bouncing til later. Im bouncing on it all the time now but thats cos want baby to make an appearance lol. it is great for hip rolls and lunges as well as leaning on it when on all fours...will defo be using it for early labour....one of the best things ive bought this pregnancy, defo get one of the offical birthing balls tho as dont trust gym balls lol...even with the amount of use I now do Ive only had to inflate it perhaps 3 times to get it firmer...after all sitting almost 16st on it is bound to have some impact!

 

[buttonbear]

Everyday I am on mine, I just can't get comfortable on my sofa for long now!! I LOVE mine, best thing ever bought!! I've had mine for ages as well

 

[kitten2014]

Ditto buttonbear...I cant spend longer than an hr in ANY position! I can tell the ball bouncing n rolling helps as often get headbutting n fanny daggers after ..hoping she's starting to engage lol...

 

[buttonbear]

Gosh the fanny daggers and pelvis head butts hurt!! lol

Being on the ball is great for your hips and pelvis so wont ever do harm, its good to engage baby when at that time, also for getting babies in the right position

 

[kitten2014]

Yes indeed but now I know the reason for the sensation I kinda welcome it- is that strange? Plus now she's bigger they're not like pin pricks but like finger pricks presumably due to head growth. Had my worst pin prick at 24wks boy did it make me jump! Yeah its great for pelvic comfort as the sofa just isnt that comfy anymore lol

 

[papella]

I've got one blown up in the spare room up stairs, had a few bounces on it but not using it regularly yet though

 

[Mayflower85]

I don't have one, but have been wondering whether it's worth it or not?

 

[Bethyboo87]

I'm meaning to get one but wasn't sure when I needed one from... xx

 

[kitten2014]

Yes its worth it n yes u can use straightaway just leave bouncing til after 30wks...

 

[KWarbee]

I'm hoping to get one for a bit later on. Where would you ladies recommend getting one from? xx

 

[Emmajaine]

Argos do one for about a tenner, there is no need to go for a specific birth ball, a normal gym ball is fine (in fact the hospital has the exact version, that I got from Argos, in the assessment unit!)

Xx

 

[Emapot1]

I have one. Rolling back n forth now and it's great release of pressure for my hips and bits and butt x

 

[Durhamchance]

I asked my OH to dig mine out of the garage at the weekend and it's still not materialised I can't sit on the sofa for long now as it's too uncomfortable. I used mine loads last pregnancy.

 

[roxyroo]

I have one and I'll be dusting it off soon and putting it to use. Helped loads in early labour too x