The birth ball can be of great benefit to a woman throughout her pregnancy and especially during labor to promote a relaxed pelvis.
Frequently used in gyms and physical therapy offices the exercise ball becomes a birth ball when employed during pregnancy and labor. The ball itself is made from vinyl and is inflated using an air pump or bicycle tire pump.
Purchasing a Birth Ball
Birth balls range in size from 55 centimeters to 85 centimeters. Penny Simpkin in her book, The Birth Partner [Harvard Common Press 2001 ISBN 1558321950], notes “the woman of average height (5 feet 3 inches to 5 feet 10 inches) seems to benefit most from a ball with a diameter of 65 or 75 centimeters when inflated.”
When choosing a vinyl ball for pregnancy and birth the parents-to-be should seek out a quality birth ball. Retail locations for vinyl exercise balls might include sporting goods and department goods stores or anywhere exercise equipment is sold. Check the vinyl ball for a weight rating of at least 250-300 pounds. Anything less could result in injury to the user should it pop.
Using the Birth Ball during Pregnancy
The vinyl ball can be used to relax the pelvis. During pregnancy the birth ball will be used as a seat. Place the ball on a clean floor free of debris and sharp objects. A chair or solid piece of furniture should be nearby to steady the user when getting on and off the ball. The pregnant woman will sit on the ball with her feet approximately 20-25 inches apart. A partner can help her to get on and off the ball the first few times she is using the ball.
When seated on the birth ball the expecting mother can rock side to side, back to front and use a combination of circular and figure eight motions with the pelvis. Some women will use the vinyl ball as an alternative to a desk chair when working at home or work.
The Birth Ball in Labor
A great comfort tool for labor the birth ball has a myriad of uses for early labor at home and in the birth center or hospital. When using the birth ball in a hospital or birth center setting be sure the ball is clean and draped with a sheet or towel. Some birth locations will provide their own vinyl balls but the couple can bring the deflated ball and fill it with a compact bike tire pump when reaching the hospital.
The vinyl ball can be used to rock through contractions from a seated position and provide comfort when sitting on other surfaces is uncomfortable. The laboring woman can lean onto the hospital bed propped with a few pillows from this seated position to rest.
A kneeling position can be assumed on the floor, or bed, propping a folded towel or blanket under the woman’s knees. She will then hug the birth ball to her chest leaning her head, shoulders and chest on the ball allowing the belly and low back to relax. This is a restful position and the mother can sway her body during a contraction or sit back on her heels.
Another restful position utilizing the birth ball would require the ball being placed on the hospital bed. The mother then leans onto the ball, hugging it to her chest, and allow her upper body to find rest while in a standing position.
The Birth Ball in Postpartum
After the baby has arrived the vinyl ball does not need to be stowed away. It can make for a useful tool to gently activate the abdominal muscles and help tone the woman’s mid-section. Additionally it can be used like a rocking chair to help soothe the infant to sleep and help bounce a fussy baby.
Precautions for the Birth Ball
If the vinyl ball should become compromised by a sharp object it should be replaced immediately, even if it does not pop right away. Always consult with the woman’s care provider should any health concerns arise when using the birth ball. If diagnosed with a form of high-risk pregnancy the care provider should be consulted prior to employing a birth ball during pregnancy.
Further Reading:
How to Use Positions During Labor
How to Hire a Birth Doula
Amy Kreydin - Amy Kreydin, NBCRT, CCAP, BD is a Board Certified Reflexologist and Clinical Aromatherapist.
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