if I am 5'3, do I need a 55 in or 65 in birth ball?

[rach03]

I was reading online that the average 5'5 woman would use a 65 in birth ball, and it said someone much shorter should get a 55 in.  Well, 5'3 isn't a whole lot shorter, but I don't want to be unsteady because my feet can't reach the floor.  Just wondering if there happens to be any 5'3 mamas out there who have used a birth ball and could tell me what size I need.

Thanks! 

[lynsage]

I'm 5'5" and I have a 65 and and a smaller one (it was sold as a 65 but is probably really a 55, it's a LOT smaller than the real 65). I have no love for the smaller ball, unless I want to get into a deep squat. It's actually pretty nice for that purpose, but other than that I mostly let my 6-year-old play with it. The bigger one is much better for sitting and rocking comfortably. On the smaller ball I'm squatted down with my knees up. Yuck.

I can't imagine that my having 2 inches on you would make a huge difference in our birthing ball experience :D So if you want to be seated more as if on a chair, 65. If you want to get some good squats going, small ball.

Maybe try going to a sporting goods store or a yoga studio and sitting on some inflated ones? If you see a chiropractor they may have some inflated balls you can try- I used to work for a chiro and we had all different sizes in our therapy room for people to do stretches on.

[rach03]

Thanks!  I'll definitely go to a sporting goods store, I didn't think of that.  I thought the 65 inch would probably be okay and it sounds like it will be, I just wanted to double check.

Thanks :)

[greengirl_]

I 5'3 and bought a 55cm ball.  It wasn't comfortable at all, even when fully and firmly inflated my knees were still above my pelvis.  So I took it back and got a 65cm.  Much more comfortable since I don't have to inflate it quite so full and it seems more stable that way.

[scrappin-mama]

I'm 5'4" and have the 55. It's very comfortable for me, and I think the 65 one would be too high for me.

[scrappin-mama]

Oh wanted to say it may depend on your leg length, which can vary a lot even among petite women. I always have to get P length pants, if that helps any.

[WifeofAnt]

I'm 5'3" and I love my 65.  If its a little too high, just deflate it slightly.  I didn't use it during labor though, it rolled too much for me.  I preferred the arm of the couch.

[rach03]

Thank you guys very much for helping me out!  I still haven't made it out to try any, I think I may just order a 65 inch ball off Amazon and I can always return it if it doesn't work.  It seems from reading here a slightly deflated 65 inch may be what I need.   Thank you all!  :)

[Lady Lilya]

Wait a sec, one poster complained that her knees were above her pelvis.  Isn't that what you are aiming for?  My chiro had me test out his yoga balls until I found the one where my knees were above my pelvis.  I am 5'4", with long legs.  Particularly my thigh bones are long.  I needed a slightly deflated 55cm.  I can't imagine a 65cm working for me, or for someone 2 inches shorter than me, or with more average proportions where legs are concerned.  

[rach03]

Hmm, I don't know where your knees are supposed to be.  I guess I should email my doula friend, maybe she could confirm for me?

[Lady Lilya]

The whole point, as far as I know, is to be squat-like to open up your pelvis.  In other cultures, women squat more, and that works the glutes and balances the kegels to keep the pelvis wider and the pelvic floor taut.  We tend to sit in a way that presses our tailbone inwards, making our pelvic opening smaller, and our pelvic floor slack.  

[greengirl_]

Originally Posted by Lady Lilya 

Wait a sec, one poster complained that her knees were above her pelvis.  Isn't that what you are aiming for?  My chiro had me test out his yoga balls until I found the one where my knees were above my pelvis.  I am 5'4", with long legs.  Particularly my thigh bones are long.  I needed a slightly deflated 55cm.  I can't imagine a 65cm working for me, or for someone 2 inches shorter than me, or with more average proportions where legs are concerned.  

This was not a good position for me since I was having some problems with SPD, having my knees above my pelvis was very painful.  I didn't end up doing any sitting positions on the ball, but I did lean over it a lot on hands and knees while doing pelvic rocking. 
 

[jeninejessica]

For a properly sized yoga ball, you want your knees to be at a right angle when sitting straight in top of the ball. However, for birth, yes, it's probably better for your knees to be slightly higher.

I'm 5'4, and I find my 55 inch ball is too small. I prefer the 65-- and for birth, it would be easy enough to let out a little bit of air. That would also make it feel a little bit more stable I would think. And then you can full inflate it for use after birth.