How does a birth ball help?

[DeChRi]

Sitting and bouncing on a birth ball....is it the engagement factor that this is good for?

[xelakann]

It is supposed to help with posture, which will help put the baby in a good position. And it is supposed to help with engaging and toning those muscles down there, which help with birth.

Not very scientific sounding, I know, but that's what i was told.

[oskie]

I also find that because I am always shifting positions when I sit on it that it's the most comfortable seat in the house.

DH agrees - he kept stealing mine so I finally went out and got him his own. He had a few friends over this weekend to watch football and I came down to find them all sprawled out over the birth balls.

[TulikaEma]

Originally Posted by oskie

DH agrees - he kept stealing mine so I finally went out and got him his own. He had a few friends over this weekend to watch football and I came down to find them all sprawled out over the birth balls.

I used to work in an office with a preggo woman who sat on a birth ball. On her days off everyone else used to fight over who got to use the ball

[StacieM]

Whenever I can't get comfortable on the couch, the birth ball is the best seat in the house. Toward the end of my pg last time I was always on it. Not really because of the help, just because it was the most comfortable place for me to sit. I do think it helped though. This time I'm sitting on it for comfort and to encourage baby to be/stay in a good position for birthing.

[Valerieg]

The birthing ball opens up your pelvis allowing the baby to ease down in there. If the baby is low enough, it puts pressure on your cervix, which helps you dilate.

Earlier in pregnancy it helps to maintain good posture, strengthen the core muscles of your body (which will help with delivery), and helps to get the baby in a good position. I'm pretty sure that sitting on the birth ball is what opened up my pelvis enough to get baby to flip to head down.

Don't bounce on it though. Bouncing is not good when you're PG.

[adon]

i used it while in labor with DS and it was the ONLY thing that worked for me (bad back labor), and gave me the leverage to push as long as i did. but i used it while i was on my knees and leaned/ laid over it.

i'm going to get mine early this time because babe is SOOOOO low i can not sit comfortably! i'm hoping this will help me sit with ease.

[Ackray]

Originally Posted by Valerieg

Don't bounce on it though. Bouncing is not good when you're PG.

Why not?!