A birthing ball is a large, inflatable ball, similar to an exercise or yoga ball, used for comfort and movement during pregnancy and labor. These balls provide support and encourage mobility in late pregnancy, helping expectant mothers stay active and prepare their bodies for birth.
How Birthing Balls Can Aid Labor
Birthing balls assist in the progression of labor through several physiological mechanisms. Sitting upright on the ball leverages gravity, encouraging the baby to descend into the pelvis. This downward pressure can stimulate the cervix, potentially promoting effacement and dilation.
Sitting upright on a birthing ball encourages a more open pelvic outlet. This increased space allows the baby more room to maneuver and settle into an optimal position for birth. Movement on the ball, such as gentle bouncing or rocking, can also mobilize the hips and alleviate pressure on the lower back, tailbone, and pelvis, contributing to pain management during contractions.
Specific Ball Exercises for Labor
To potentially encourage labor, various movements can be performed on a birthing ball. Sitting on the ball with feet flat on the floor and knees positioned slightly lower than the hips allows for gentle bouncing. This rhythmic motion can guide the baby deeper into the pelvis.
Pelvic tilts involve rocking the pelvis forward and backward while seated on the ball. This exercise mobilizes hip joints and can relieve lower back discomfort. Additionally, performing figure-eights or circular hip rotations on the ball can further loosen the pelvis and assist the baby in rotating into a favorable position for delivery.
Another useful position involves kneeling on the floor and leaning over the birthing ball for support. From this position, gently rocking side to side or front to back can alleviate back pressure and encourage an asymmetrical opening of the pelvis, which may assist in labor progression. For supported squats, the ball can be placed between your back and a wall, allowing you to lean against it as you perform controlled squatting motions.
Safety Guidelines for Using a Birthing Ball
Adhering to safety guidelines is important when using a birthing ball during late pregnancy and labor.
- Select the correct size ball; when seated, your knees should be approximately 10 centimeters (4 inches) lower than your hips. A common guide suggests a 65cm ball for individuals up to 5 feet 8 inches tall, and a 75cm ball for those taller than 5 feet 8 inches.
- Ensure the birthing ball is made from anti-burst material, designed to deflate slowly rather than rupture if punctured.
- Always use the ball on a non-slip surface, such as a carpet, and wear non-slip footwear or go barefoot to maintain stability.
- Have a support person present, particularly when first using the ball or during active labor, to provide assistance and ensure balance.
- Listen to your body and avoid any movements that cause pain or discomfort.
- It is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before using a birthing ball to encourage labor, especially if your water has broken, as this can create a slip hazard, or if you experience any unusual symptoms.
- Birthing balls are generally not recommended after an epidural due to limited mobility.