Using a birth ball during labor has many benefits that improve effacing and dilating and facilitate giving birth.
However, the ball can also be used for comfort before labor, in preparation for giving birth and also post-partum.
The ball is therefore very comfortable to sit on, in the final weeks of pregnancy, when the joints and ligaments of the pelvis become flexible and possibly achy.
Use it while sitting at your computer or anytime instead of a conventional chair.
Click here to read about pregnancy workouts using an exercise ball.
Besides this, the birth ball offers the following benefits during labor, all of which will make for an easier birth:
Post-partum the ball can also be used to sit on if a woman is recovering from a cesarean or episiotomy.
A mother can sit on the ball and rock the baby.
A fussy baby can be laid on her tummy on the ball and the pressure may help relieve the baby's discomfort.
You can purchase an exercise ball at most sports stores.
Make sure you buy the correct size birth ball. When you sit on top of it, with feet flat on the floor, your legs should be at a 90 degree angle.
For an average woman with a height of about 5'5" a 65cm ball should be the correct size. The smaller 55cm size ball would suit a shorter person and if you are taller, there are larger sizes too.
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