Exercising on a birthing ball during pregnancy can help reduce back pain, labor pain, and pain from contractions, especially when a woman uses a pregnancy ball during the last weeks of pregnancy. It can also help reduce anxiety, stress, and reduce the first stages of labor.
What is a pregnancy ball?
A pregnancy ball is an exercise ball that can be used during pregnancy and childbirth. It's a rubber ball that can be used in a variety of ways during pregnancy and even after childbirth.
Effective Pregnancy Ball Exercises to Induce Labor
Pregnancy ball exercises are very beneficial for pregnancy. Birthing ball exercises during pregnancy can help induce labor. Here are some effective birthing ball exercises you can do during pregnancy -
Pelvic Tilt Exercise - Hold the exercise ball against the wall and sit with your back on the ball. Pull your abs in slightly, bend slightly and push your back toward the ball. This exercise is great for strengthening the lower back and uterus.
Baby lying position - place your birthing back against the wall. Kneel and bend your body toward the ball. Support the ball and hold the still child's pose for a few seconds, then repeat.
Bounce on Ball Exercises - Bounce gently on a birthing ball to help strengthen your legs and balance. During labor, this bouncing motion helps to apply back pressure, which induces labor.
Hula hoop exercise - To perform a hula hoop exercise, sit firmly on a ball with your hands on your hips. Then use your hips in a circular motion, the same way you would use your waist for a hula hoop. Start with small rotational movements and, as you become comfortable with the exercise, begin with larger circular rotations.
Rocking - Sit on a birthing ball and allow your pelvis to slowly rock back and forth, then side to side. This rocking motion on the birthing ball during pregnancy helps move the pelvis into spinal and pelvic alignment and eases discomfort between contractions.
How to choose the right size pregnancy ball for you?
Exercise on the right side of the exercise ball during pregnancy can be determined according to the height of the woman. Here are the best birthing ball sizes for exercising during pregnancy:
When can I start using birthing balls during pregnancy?
You can start using a birthing ball as early as your pregnancy if you wish. Simply sitting on the birthing ball and moving it back and forth or side to side can help relieve spasms and tone the pelvic floor.
From around the 32nd week of pregnancy, you can use a birthing ball for gentle pregnancy exercises. If you have severe pain or contractions during pregnancy, talk to your doctor because your doctor can recommend special exercises to ease discomfort and prepare for labor.
Try practicing a forward-leaning position (like child's position) on the birthing ball instead of leaning back. Gently bouncing on the ball will also help your baby's head drop into your pelvic area.
Benefits of Birth Ball Exercises During Pregnancy
Relieve back pain
Stimulates blood flow to the female pelvic area
Provides extra pressure on the perineum and thighs
Supports and strengthens your knees and ankles
Helps relieve spinal pressure
May reduce pain and duration of labor
May reduce anxiety and pain associated with contractions
Can help expand and open the pelvic muscles
Correcting the baby's position before birth (by placing the baby's head on the pelvic area)
Birthing ball exercises during pregnancy can provide a lot of comfort before and during labor. These exercises can reduce back pain, reduce pelvic pressure, and even shorten labor. Birth ball exercises are also thought to induce labor. Talk to your doctor about the best birthing ball exercises for you.
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