A peanut ball is an inflatable, peanut-shaped device used during labor to help position the pelvis and facilitate childbirth. Unlike a traditional round birth ball, this tool is designed to be placed between the legs while a person is resting in bed. Its application offers a non-invasive way to improve the labor experience, particularly for those who have received an epidural or need to remain stationary.
Understanding the Peanut Ball’s Design
The distinctive hourglass shape of the peanut ball is intentional and provides its primary functional advantage. This device is constructed from a durable, anti-burst PVC material, similar to standard exercise balls. The central indentation allows the knees or thighs to wrap around the narrow middle section, providing stability and comfort when lying down.
Peanut balls come in several sizes, ranging from 40 to 70 centimeters in height. Selecting the correct size is important for effectiveness and safety. For instance, a person 5 feet 3 inches or shorter might use a 40-centimeter ball, while those between 5 feet 3 inches and 5 feet 6 inches often use a 50-centimeter size. The ball must be large enough to hold the legs apart and create the necessary pelvic opening without causing undue strain.
How the Peanut Ball Facilitates Labor Progress
The primary function of the peanut ball is to mimic the benefits of upright positions and movement while the laboring person is confined to bed. By separating the knees and aligning the hips, the ball gently opens the diameter of the pelvic outlet. This passive positioning creates more space within the bony pelvis for the baby to descend and rotate.
When the legs are positioned around the ball, the slight external rotation of the hips increases the dimensions of the mid-pelvis and the pelvic outlet. This widening helps the baby navigate the birth canal, encouraging the proper rotation of the fetal head. For those who cannot walk due to fatigue or epidural anesthesia, the peanut ball helps maintain the biomechanical benefits of mobility, promoting labor progress without requiring active movement.
Specific Positions for Using the Peanut Ball
The most common way to use the device is in a side-lying position, where the ball is placed between the knees and thighs. This position, often recommended for epidural patients, helps to open one side of the pelvis more than the other, encouraging the baby to rotate and move down. Care providers recommend rotating the laboring person from one side to the other, typically every 30 to 60 minutes, to maximize the pelvic opening on both sides.
A semi-reclining position is another option, where the person is propped up in bed. One leg is draped over the top of the ball while the other rests to the side. This setup creates an asymmetrical stance, which helps to widen the pelvis and encourage fetal descent. Less frequently, a “peanut squat” variation can be achieved while semi-sitting in bed by pulling the legs higher toward the abdomen with the ball held firmly between the knees.
Research on Effectiveness and Safety Guidelines
Multiple studies have investigated the effectiveness of the peanut ball, focusing on its use in women laboring with an epidural. A systematic review and meta-analysis found that using a peanut ball significantly reduced the duration of the first stage of labor by an average of 53 minutes for women who had received epidural analgesia. The risk of a Cesarean section was also significantly lower in the group that used the ball, suggesting a tangible benefit for vaginal delivery rates.
Regarding safety, the peanut ball is considered a low-risk, non-invasive intervention. Its use requires supervision from a trained healthcare professional, such as a nurse or doula. Proper inflation and correct sizing are necessary to prevent injury or discomfort. The ball must fit comfortably between the legs without overextending the hips. Individuals with specific conditions like symphysis pubis dysfunction should discuss its use with their provider, as some positions could exacerbate pain.