[ad_1]
Pregnancy is this incredible, complex adventure where you’re not just carrying a new life within you, but also juggling the joys and challenges that come with it. There’s the excitement of feeling those first kicks, the magic of watching your belly grow, and the anticipation of meeting your little one. But let’s be real: pregnancy also brings its fair share of discomforts. Your back aches, your feet swell, and let’s not even get started on the mood swings.
Now, picture having a tool during this time, right when labor is approaching, something that’s not only comforting but also incredibly beneficial for your physical and mental well-being. This is where the birthing ball rolls onto the scene. More than just an exercise tool, it’s a pregnancy must-have that’s changing the game for expectant moms everywhere and becoming a top item on the must-have list when it’s time to push.
8 Best Maternity Pillows For A Comfortable, Cozy Sleep
The best maternity pillows will help you have a comfortable, sound sleep no matter your trimester. Here are our favorite maternity pillows.
What are birthing balls used for in pregnancy and labor?
A birthing ball is a great tool, specifically designed for the pregnant body, and especially beneficial during labor. It’s not just about easing those pregnancy aches and pains; its true value shines as you prepare for childbirth. The birthing ball is important in stretching tight muscles and opening up your pelvis, which can significantly facilitate the birthing process and labor pains. It plays a crucial role in maneuvering your baby into the best possible position for birth, potentially making your labor experience smoother and more manageable.
More than providing physical support, a birthing ball empowers you with control and confidence during labor. Engaging with your body through the birthing ball helps you gain a deeper understanding and readiness for the birthing process. It allows for active preparation, making you actively participate in your labor journey rather than just a passive observer.
What to look for in a birthing ball?
When scouting for the ideal birthing ball, you should pay attention to several important details to make sure it meets your specific needs during pregnancy and labor.
Size:
Firstly, size is important; the ball should be proportionate to your height. A general rule of thumb is that when sitting on the ball, your hips should be at the same level or slightly higher than your knees, for maximum comfort and support. This typically means women under 5’4″ should opt for a 55cm ball, those between 5’4″ and 5’10” should go for a 65cm ball, and those over 5’10” should choose a 75cm ball.
Best Pairs Of Maternity Underwear For Comfort In All Trimesters
When you’re pregnant, you quickly realize comfort is key. Here are the best pairs of maternity underwear for comfort in all trimesters.
Material and build:
Material and build quality are next on the checklist. A good birthing ball should be made of thick, anti-burst material. This not only provides durability but also provides peace of mind, as the ball is less likely to puncture or deflate suddenly. Look for a ball with a slightly textured surface which offers better grip and reduces the risk of slipping.
Firmness:
Additionally, consider the firmness of the ball. It should be firm enough to support your weight without sinking too much but still offer some comfort. The firmness plays a big role in how effectively you can use the ball for exercises during labor.
Maintenance:
Lastly, think about the ease of maintenance. Ideally, the ball should be easy to clean and resistant to punctures and scratches. This is important for hygiene, especially if you plan to use the ball frequently or in different environments.
Here are the best birthing balls to make labor easier:
The Birth Ball Birthing Ball
Best Guided Instructions
$35 $50 Save $15
The Birth Ball stands out as the top choice for expectant moms, as a guide through your pregnancy. With its two size options, 65cm and 75cm and 18-page visual guide, it’s packed with exercises and tips specifically tailored for each stage of pregnancy and the postpartum period, making it the best choice for guided instruction.
- Material
- PVC
- Color
- Mint Green
- Item Weight
- 3 Pounds
- Size
- 28 or 30 inches
- Tailor-made for pregnancy and labor
- Available in two sizes: 65cm and 75cm
- Includes a comprehensive 18-page visual guide
- Doula and midwife-approved for safety and durability
- Requires space for storage due to its size
If you’re on the hunt for that perfect birthing ball, the Birth Ball Birthing Ball is like the fairy godmother of birthing balls, specially designed for pregnancy and labor, with your needs at the forefront. It comes in two sizes – 65cm and 75cm – because one size does not fit all, especially when you’re expecting! These sizes are doula and midwife-approved and they’re extra thick, which means extra durable and safe.
It also includes a 18-page visual guide packed with trimester-specific exercises and postpartum tips, so no more guessing games on how to use it.
Comfy Mom Exercise Ball
Comfy Mom Exercise Ball
The top-rated yoga ball for pregnancy is here to transform your pre-natal experience. Chosen for its effectiveness in muscle stretching and core strengthening during pregnancy, this ball comes in65cm, backed by the recommendations of doulas, midwives, and fellow moms. Its standout feature is the textured massage points, offering therapeutic relief where you need it most.
- Material
- Rubber
- Color
- Black
- Item Weight
- 3.1 Pounds
- Size
- 65 cm
- Textured massage points for targeted relief
- Made from BPA-free, medical-grade PVC for safety
- Limited size options may not suit everyone
- Textured points may be uncomfortable for some users
Designed specifically for pregnancy, the Comfy Mom Exercise Ball is perfect for stretching out those sore muscles, keeping your core strong, and even easing into labor. At 65cm, this size is recommended by doulas, midwives, and, crucially, fellow moms.
But here’s the kicker – this ball has textured massage points. These little bumps of joy are perfect for a mini-massage, targeting your back, legs, or wherever you need a little extra TLC. Plus, it comes with an easy-to-use air pump and a leak-resistant plug. And don’t worry about safety – it’s made with BPA-free, medical-grade PVC, so it’s as safe as it is comfy.
GalSports Pregnancy Birthing Ball
Best Slip Resistant
The best slip-resistant option for expecting moms, the GalSports Pregnancy Birthing Ball is a secure and stable experience. Ideal for improving posture and alleviating muscle tension during pregnancy, it offers the ultimate in stability and peace of mind.
- Material
- PVC
- Color
- Rose Red/Hazel Blue
- Size
- 58-65cm
- Supports up to 330 lbs
- Unique etching process for top-notch stability and security
- Made from German-imported, heavy-metal-free PVC for safety
- May require regular inflation to maintain optimal firmness
- Limited color and size options
The GalSports Pregnancy Birthing Ball is great for posture, stability, and muscle tension relief during those baby-carrying months. Plus, after your bundle of joy arrives, it’s perfect for postpartum workouts and some adorable parent-child playtime.
Thanks to a unique etching process, this ball promises top-notch stability and security, saying goodbye to fears of bursting or air leaks. It’s made from German-imported PVC material, free of nasty heavy metals, making it super safe for both you and your little one. It can handle up to 330 lbs, so feel free to use it without a worry.
BigTree Yoga Ball
Best Budget
Looking for a prenatal exercise pal that’s as affordable as a couple of Starbucks coffees? This prenatal exercise ball is ideal for mamas who are looking for an economical yet effective tool for pelvic opening.
- Material
- PVC
- Color
- Multiple Colors
- Size
- 10.43 x 8.66 x 5.04 inches
- Highly affordable, offering great value
- Aids in pelvic opening during pregnancy
- Comes with a hand air pump and extra plugs for easy inflation
- Regular inflation may be required to maintain firmness
- May not be as durable as higher-priced options
Need a prenatal exercise buddy that won’t cost more than a few Starbucks coffees? The BigTree Yoga Ball is here to help open your pelvis and ease your journey through pregnancy and childbirth, with a gentle reminder to use it under professional supervision. It comes with a hand air pump and extra plugs, making inflation easy.
After your labor, you can use it as an exercise ball for the entire family. And for the grandkids? It’s an absolute backyard hit.
Tumaz Birth Ball
Best for Back Pain
The Tumaz Birth Ball is the perfect remedy for expectant moms suffering from back pain. More than just a birth ball, this comprehensive wellness kit provides a lot of support and relief for back pain during pregnancy. Its robust anti-burst material can withstand up to 2,400 lbs, and it includes a soothing Peri Bottle for post-pregnancy recovery.
- Material
- Phthalates Free PVC
- Color
- Multiple Colors
- Item Weight
- 4.2 Pounds
- Size
- 58cm-75cm
- Specifically designed to alleviate back pain during pregnancy
- Made from premium anti-burst material
- Can support up to 2,400 lbs for maximum safety
- Includes a Peri Bottle
- The size and bulk of the ball might require ample storage space
- Sizing is a bit unclear
The Tumaz Birth Ball is a life-saver for those battling back pain during pregnancy. This isn’t just a birth ball, it’s a full-on pregnancy wellness kit. It offers soon-to-be moms support and relief when they need it most. With its premium anti-burst material, it can handle up to 2,400 lbs! And for those post-pregnancy needs, there’s the Peri Bottle to make your recovery smoother and more hydrated. Plus, it comes with a handy travel bag, because who doesn’t love a little extra convenience?
Along with the durable birth ball, you get an extra thick yoga strap for those much-needed stretches, a quick foot pump for hassle-free inflation, anti-slip socks, and a set of 13 instructional posters to guide you through each stretch and exercise.
8 Birthing And Labor Gowns To Help You Feel Your Best
Wear something you love during labor with our list of the best labor gowns. Here are the best labor gowns to help you feel and look your best.
Inpany Peanut Ball
Best for Pelvis Widening
$24 $34 Save $10
The Inpany Peanut Ball stands out as the best choice for pelvis widening during labor. Its unique design not only accelerates baby’s descent but also offers greater stability than regular balls, crucial for intense labor hours. Made with extra thick, anti-burst material, it’s a reliable and safe addition to your birthing plan.
- Material
- Non-toxic PVC
- Color
- Multiple
- Item Weight
- 16 Ounces
- Size
- 39×20″
- Specially crafted for pelvis widening during labor
- Speeds up baby?s descent
- Unique peanut shape offers more stability than round balls
- Peanut shape might be less versatile than traditional balls for some exercises
- May require more storage space due to its unique shape
This peanut-shaped wonder is designed to be a lifesaver during those intense labor hours. Specifically crafted to assist with pelvis widening, the Inpany Peanut Ball helps speed up the baby’s descent during labor, making it a vital companion for any birthing journey. It’s also got a great design that works for physical therapy, yoga, or just bouncing around at home.
Plus, its extra thick, so you won’t have to worry about any sudden deflation and, thanks to its anti-burst material, it is all about safety and longevity. Its unique peanut shape offers more stability than traditional round balls that limit movement to just forward and backward.
Gaiam Balance Ball Chair
Gaiam Balance Ball Chair
The Gaiam Balance Ball Chair stands out as the most supportive option for pregnant women thanks to its unique blend of a balance ball’s comfort and a chair’s stability, it’s ergonomically designed to alleviate the strains of sitting during pregnancy, suitable for users up to 5’11” tall.
- Material
- Plastic
- Color
- Black
- Item Weight
- 8.7 Pounds
- Size
- 20″D x 20″W x 30″H
- Special Features
-
Ergonomic
- Ideal for relieving back pain
- Combines balance ball comfort with chair stability
- Strong weight capacity for most pregnant women
- No suited for tall women – Accommodates users up to 5’11”
- Requires space to accommodate the chair’s size
The Gaiam Balance Ball Chair is a great pre-birth, labor, and post-birth pregnancy ally for those long hours with back pain. This is not only a comfy chair but a pregnancy game-changer, with the gentle support of a balance ball and the stability of a chair. It features a modern, sturdy design that’s just perfect for providing the right balance of comfort and support for your changing body.
The ergonomic back support helps alleviate the stress and strains of pregnancy, especially when sitting for extended periods. It’s tailored for users up to 5’11” tall and has a strong weight capacity, accommodating the needs of most pregnant women comfortably.
Mind Body Future Exercise Ball
Best Stability
The Mind Body Future Exercise Ball is the best option for stability during pregnancy thanks to its unique base that prevents any unwanted rolling. Made from anti-burst, hypo-allergenic material, it ensures a safe and stable exercise experience for expectant mothers.
- Material
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
- Color
- Blue
- Item Weight
- 2.2 Pounds
- Size
- 65cm
- Ideal for prenatal exercises with exceptional stability
- Anti-slip material for increased safety
- Includes an inflatable base, Ebook, mini foot pump, and measuring tape
- The base might take up extra space during storage
- The range of exercises might be limited due to the stability base
The Mind Body Future Exercise Ball is a stability powerhouse that has the mamas out there talking. This ball is stable enough for everything from yoga to getting ready for baby’s arrival. What sets it apart? This ball stays put with its handy base, whether you’re mastering a prenatal exercise or getting ready to push your baby out.
It comes in three sizes (55cm, 65cm, or 75cm), and its anti-slip material helps you stay on your feet with no accidental slips. It’s made of professional-grade, anti-burst, hypo-allergenic PVC and is strong enough to handle up to 2000 lbs. Plus, it comes as a complete set with an inflatable base, Ebook, mini foot pump, and measuring tape, providing everything you need in one purchase.
Best Postpartum Underwear For Support And Comfort
For comfort after birth, many people turn to postpartum underwear, and we’ve rounded up the best options for comfort and ease.
Are there any safety concerns for using a birthing ball?
Birthing balls offer a unique blend of comfort, support, and preparation for labor, but their benefits are best enjoyed when the safety guidelines of how to use a pregnancy ball are followed. Careful selection of the ball, mindful use on a safe surface, and having support on hand are all key to a positive experience. And always make sure to consult with healthcare professionals to double-check that your use of a birthing ball aligns with your specific health needs and pregnancy journey.
By taking these precautions, you can make the most of this versatile tool, enhancing both your physical well-being and mental peace as you prepare for the remarkable journey of childbirth. Good luck – you’ve got this!
The Birth Ball Birthing Ball
Pick One Up Today
$35 $50 Save $15
The Birth Ball is your pregnancy fairy godmother, tailor-made for your journey to motherhood. Available in two sizes, 65cm and 75cm, it’s approved by doulas and midwives for its durability and safety. Plus, it comes with a handy 18-page visual guide full of exercises and tips for each trimester and the postpartum period.
[ad_2]