Birthing Balls: What Are They and Why They Are Best for Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a beautiful journey filled with love and joy, some days you feel great and some days are filled with discomfort and hardships. Pregnant women always search for tools and products to make their journey smooth and less difficult. One thing that has become popular among pregnant women these days is birthing balls often known as Swiss balls that are highly recommended during pregnancy. In this blog, we will discuss birthing Balls, their types, and their benefits. Let's dig into it.
What Are Birthing Balls?
One of the popular tools among pregnant women, Birthing balls are designed to support the amount of weight and provide a comfortable and safe surface for different exercises and positions. They are extremely durable and made of anti-burst PVC material. They are also known as stability balls and Swiss balls.
Examples of Birthing Balls
- Gymnic Birth Balls: They are known for being extra durable and made with high-quality materials. They are available in various sizes and are recommended by doctors for prenatal exercises and labor.
- TheraBand Exercise Ball: These are the popular types among pregnant women because of their anti-burst technology and multi-sizing options. These are considered a reliable choice for labor exercises.
Market Competitive Environment and Demand
Birthing Balls or Swiss balls have gained popularity in recent years as women are becoming aware of the benefits of these balls during pregnancy. Different brands are manufacturing these balls with multiple sizes and different quality and price ranges. In Pakistan, the availability of good quality birthing balls from Ornavo and other brands has increased catering to the needs of pregnant moms seeking reliable and comfy options.
Why Birthing Balls Are Best for Pregnancy
Birthing balls offer a multitude of benefits that make them an invaluable tool during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Here’s why they are highly recommended:
Comfort and Support During Pregnancy
A woman’s body undergoes numerous significant changes during pregnancy, often leading to discomfort and pain in various muscles and joints. Birthing balls provide a comfortable and supportive surface that can alleviate these discomforts effectively.
One of the main benefits of using a birthing ball is the comfort and relief that it provides for back pain that women face in pregnancy. Strain in the lower back is quite common in pregnancy. Sitting on these balls helps maintain proper posture that leads to ease in lower back pain. Birthing balls also help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. Continued use of birthing balls can significantly strengthen the muscles as these are important for supporting the bladder and uterus during labor. Exercises done on these balls involve these muscles making them prepared for labor.
Preparation for Labor
Birthing balls also help in preparing your body for labor and help to position the baby the right way and ease the childbirth process.
Birthing balls aid in labor preparation and encourage optimal fetal positioning. When sitting on a birthing ball with the hips higher than the knees helps in positing your baby's head towards the pelvis. This position is crucial as it leads to a smoother labor process. Right fetal positions also reduce the time of labor.
Reducing pelvic pain is another significant benefit of using birthing balls during labor preparation. You perform bouncing and gentle circular motions on the ball to help reduce pelvic pain and discomfort and make it easier for moms to manage contractions when labor progresses.
Support During Labor
During labor, the use of a birthing ball can provide comfort, support, and significant pain relief, aiding in the progression of labor and enhancing the overall birth experience.
Birthing balls also help reduce labor pain. Sitting and rocking on these balls can help distract from contraction and reduce the need for epidurals. The movement provided by these balls helps in managing the pain promotes relaxation and reduces the intensity of contractions.
Facilitating upright positions is another critical benefit of using birthing balls during labor. Being in an upright position helps gravity assist in the baby’s descent, promoting effective contractions and reducing labor time. Birthing balls allow mothers to stay upright and lean forward, creating a more favorable position for childbirth. This upright posture not only aids in the labor process but also provides comfort and support, making it easier for the mother to manage contractions and transition through different stages of labor.
Choosing the Best Birthing Ball
When selecting a birthing ball, there are several factors to consider to ensure you choose the best option for your needs.
Size
The size of the birthing ball is crucial for comfort and effectiveness. Generally, birthing balls come in sizes ranging from 55 cm to 75 cm. The right size depends on your height:
- **55 cm**: Suitable for individuals 5’0” to 5’5” tall.
- **65 cm**: Ideal for those 5’6” to 5’11” tall.
- **75 cm**: Best for individuals 6’0” and taller.
Material
The material of the birthing ball should be durable and comfortable. Look for balls made from high-quality, anti-burst PVC material. This ensures that the ball can support your weight safely and withstand regular use.
Anti-Burst Technology
Anit burst feature is an important one that ensures the ball won't burst if punctured but it will slowly deflate as pregnant women need to avoid falls and injuries.
Brand and Reviews
When choosing a birthing ball keep the features in mind choose Ornavo which a recommended brand that also offers affordable and reliable breastfeeding devices. Their products are high quality and their reviews are amazing.
Birthing Balls in Pakistan
The market for birthing balls in Pakistan has grown significantly, with various options available for expecting mothers. Brands like Ornavo have made high-quality birthing balls accessible, providing comfort and support during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. The increasing demand reflects the growing awareness of the benefits these balls offer.
Conclusion
Birthing balls are not just a fancy accessory but they are considered versatile tools for pregnant moms. They offer ultimate comfort and support in your pregnancy journey and also offer aid in labor preparation and pain management. They also help you recover after your child is delivered. Using these can make your pregnancy smoother and easier.
