The peanut ball is a non-pharmacological labor support tool—an inflatable exercise ball with a distinct hourglass shape. This design allows it to be placed securely between a laboring person’s legs while they are in a reclining or side-lying position. The ball is particularly useful during the active and resting phases of labor, especially for those confined to bed due to fatigue, medical reasons, or an epidural. Its primary function is to help maintain an open and dynamic pelvis, even when mobility is limited.
How the Shape Aids Pelvic Opening
The specific shape of the peanut ball is engineered to address the biomechanics of the pelvis during labor. When a person is lying on their side, placing a standard pillow or nothing between the legs allows the upper hip to roll forward, causing the thigh bones to move toward the midline. This movement, known as hip adduction, actually closes the pelvic outlet, which can hinder the baby’s descent.
By contrast, the peanut ball’s width and firmness keep the knees and upper leg separated. This promotes hip abduction—the movement of the thigh away from the body’s midline. Abduction encourages the rotation and widening of the pelvic outlet and mid-pelvis, creating more space for the fetal head. The central indentation cradles the legs, providing stability and comfort.
Essential Positions for Labor Progression
The side-lying position is the most common technique, placing the ball between the knees, ankles, or thighs. The ball’s size should be appropriate for the patient’s height, typically ranging from 40 to 60 centimeters, to ensure adequate hip separation. Side-lying helps to open the mid-pelvis and pelvic outlet, assisting fetal rotation and descent.
A second application is the semi-reclining or sitting lunge position, which encourages the opening of the pelvic inlet. The patient sits up with their back propped, placing one foot on the bed and draping the other leg over the ball, allowing the hip to open outward. Frequent positional changes are highly recommended, often every 30 to 60 minutes. Alternating between side-lying positions and switching the top leg helps address the different dimensions of the pelvic space and encourages progressive fetal movement.
Documented Benefits for Labor and Delivery
Clinical studies focus on the benefits of peanut ball use, particularly for those receiving epidural analgesia. Research indicates that consistent use is associated with a significant reduction in the total duration of labor. For instance, meta-analyses suggest the first stage of labor is reduced by an average of about 53 minutes.
The second stage of labor has also been documented to be shortened by approximately 11 to 23 minutes. By promoting optimal fetal positioning and creating space, the peanut ball is linked to a reduction in the rate of obstetric interventions.
Evidence shows a decrease in the rate of Cesarean sections and operative vaginal deliveries (e.g., forceps or vacuum extraction). Many patients also report a higher degree of satisfaction with their labor experience. This is often attributed to the feeling of having an active role and greater control over their positioning.