A birthing ball is a large, inflatable exercise ball used during pregnancy and labor to promote comfort and movement. Using the ball to sway or rock helps create a natural rhythm for breathing during contractions. The movement encouraged by the ball improves pelvic mobility, which is beneficial for encouraging the baby to move into an optimal position for birth.
Hospital Availability and Policy
The availability of birthing balls in hospitals varies widely, meaning there is no single, universal answer to the question of whether they are stocked. Some labor and delivery units routinely keep birthing balls in every patient room as a standard comfort measure. Other hospitals may have a limited supply that nurses must request from a central equipment room, especially in older or smaller facilities.
Because policies differ, it is highly recommended to call the specific labor and delivery unit ahead of time to confirm their inventory and rules. Asking about the ball’s size is also useful, as a proper fit—where the knees are slightly lower than the hips when sitting—is important for encouraging good pelvic alignment. Hospitals that do provide the equipment typically use durable, anti-burst balls that have been pressure-tested to support weights up to 300 kilograms.
Hospitals clean any provided ball following strict infection control protocols. Some facilities allow patients to bring their own birthing ball from home, provided it is properly sized and in good condition. Confirming this allowance beforehand is necessary, as some hospitals prohibit outside equipment due to liability or infection concerns.
Techniques for Using a Birthing Ball
A birthing ball is a versatile tool that encourages movement and upright positioning, both of which use gravity to assist the labor process. The most common technique is simply sitting on the ball with feet flat and shoulder-width apart, which allows the laboring person to gently rock, sway, or circle their hips in a figure-eight motion. This rhythmic movement helps to relieve back pressure and promotes pelvic mobility, encouraging the baby to descend.
Another effective position involves using the ball for support while kneeling on the floor. The laboring person can drape their upper body over the ball, resting their arms and head while their partner applies counter-pressure or massage to the lower back. This all-fours-like position takes pressure off the spine and helps rotate the baby into a more favorable anterior position.
The ball can also be used as a prop for supported squatting or lunging, which helps to open the pelvic outlet. For example, a person can stand with the ball against a wall or bed and lean into it while performing a gentle squat. These movements aid the descent of the fetus, potentially reducing the duration of the first stage of labor.
Non-Ball Comfort Measures Provided by Hospitals
If a birthing ball is unavailable, hospitals offer several other non-pharmacological comfort measures to assist with labor pain. One common alternative is the peanut ball, an hourglass-shaped inflatable device placed between the legs of a laboring person who is lying on their side. Using the peanut ball while side-lying creates an asymmetrical hip position, which helps open the pelvis and has been shown to reduce the length of labor.
Many units also offer hydrotherapy, which involves the use of warm water in a shower or a labor tub to provide pain relief and relaxation. The buoyancy of the water helps to decrease the weight of the uterus, which can be a significant comfort during contractions. Movement and ambulation are also encouraged, with nurses assisting the patient to walk in the hallways or use the bedside rocking chairs to maintain an upright position.
Other tools include TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) units, which deliver a mild electrical current through pads placed on the back to interfere with pain signals. Simple techniques like counter-pressure, where a support person uses firm pressure on the lower back, are also routinely taught and used by hospital staff.