Birthing ball- when to start using/ bouncing?

[hopefulfor1st]

I've heard they're really effective so (stupid I'm sure) but I'm afraid it may cause preterm labor?

 

[Inoue]

Women do use them during active labour but I think most ladies use them to either help there babies get in the best position or just because its more comfortable than sitting on the sofa. I started on my ball last week as my LO head still insnt engaged so im hoping the ball would help. I wouldn't say bouncing on the ball etc would put you in labour so id say just have 5 mins on it and see how you feel . Check out other people responses though as im a ftm xx

 

[hopefulfor1st]

I just read on another side not to use unless your positive bub is head down, as it can cause them to "engage down" breech!

 

[Kiwigurl]

Whhaaat?? I have one sitting beside my bed to try and relieve the achy hips at night. I've been using it for exercise too. How are they used differently for labour?

 

[Inoue]

There great for achey hips and will help posture but they are also good in labour as it can help open up the pelvis or some women support there upper weight on it (so your in doggy position) which can help the baby/contractions. I read most people generally start on birthing ball at 35w+ but im sure others have started it sooner, dont know if it can cause the baby to engage that early on but maybe read into it more x

 

[BUGaBOO]

I'm 37 weeks and have started bouncing on mines since yesterday, around 20mins at a time

 

[LilyValley]

I've been using my ball since 34 weeks after the midwife advised me to, my baby is back to back. It has helped as it moves him around, although he has turned back again! My midwife didn't say anything about preterm labour but, thinking about it, women are encouraged to use a ball to make contractions more effective. Sooo, now I really don't know. I'm 36 weeks now and have no signs that labour is near despite using the ball for an hour a day.

 

[ttc_lolly]

I started usng one at around 37 weeks to try help baby engage but it didn't help at all! It was only really effective once in labour x

 

[twinklestop]

i've been using mine since about 35 weeks, i go on it about 2-3 times a day now!

36+6
due 26th november

 

[katlin]

I would say wait till after 35 weeks because some women have more sensitive bodies then others so bouncing to early could mean preterm labor.

 

[linz143]

I have one that I've sat on at work and another at home since about 25 weeks. She went head down at 30 weeks. For me they're more comfortable than a chair, and when she starts bumping her head against my cervix, its the ONLY comfortable way to sit. I don't think you can use one "too early" as they only encourage good posture and for the baby to get into position if they are already ready for it.

 

[Tattoo]

I've been on mine since 30 weeks, simply because it's the most comfortable way for me to sit. It makes me sit up straight so stops my stomach getting squashed up. Gentle bouncing also helps relieve some of the pressure on my pelvis.

 

[Cat lady]

They definately encourage good posture and my mw has encouraged me to use mine for a while now as it can help with pelvic pain. It can also encourage baby into a good position, I am hoping my baby engages relatively soon so she can help stabilise my pelvis, but I know second time around there is less chance of her engaging until labour!
xxx

 

[Sambatiki]

We have been using birthing balls in our NCT yoga class and the ladies there are at various stages from 16 weeks to 37 weeks. I dont think that its going to cause you to go into premature labour if the baby isnt ready.

 

[gryphongrl]

You'd have to bounce pretty darn hard to go into labor. No way that anything small like a birthing ball, a few cups of RLT, spicy food, and so on is going to put a lady into labor that wasn't ready to go anyway.

 

[skunkpixie]

Losing part of my plug earlier has encouraged me to jump on the ball! Bouncing away as I type lol xxx