Explore the benefits of birth balls during pregnancy and childbirth

There are various ways that can be used to make you more comfortable during pregnancy until delivery, one of which is by using a birth ball. The shape that resembles a ball for sports makes a birth ball believed to be safe for use by pregnant women. So, what are the benefits of a birth ball and how can you use it?

What is a birth ball?

The birth ball is a fairly large ball with a shape that resembles a gym ball. The difference is, the size of the birth ball is much bigger, it can reach a height of 65-75 cm after being pumped.

Birth balls are specially designed so they are not slippery when used on the floor. This is what makes it safe for use by pregnant women, even during the birth process.

However, it is important to ensure that the birth ball is stored in a place away from sharp objects or heat from the radiator, stove, and fire.

What are the benefits of a birth ball during pregnancy and childbirth?

It is not without reason that birth balls are widely recommended to be used during pregnancy, as well as to make labor easier.

Benefits of a birth ball during pregnancy

The stomach is getting bigger and bigger; back pain; to the use of chairs, sofas, and mattresses that may be uncomfortable, is often the reason why many pregnant women have difficulty sleeping and cannot sit comfortably. Especially when you have entered the late pregnancy period. Well, using a birth ball can provide various benefits during your pregnancy, such as:

Helps reduce back pain, making it easier for you to move around
Increase blood flow to the uterus
Establish good posture
Helps reduce muscle tension
Increase the diameter of the pelvis, in order to optimize the labor process later

Benefits of a birth ball during childbirth

Thanks to their size which is quite large and flexible when used, birth balls are often used to make it easier for mothers during labor. For example, making your body position more upright which will help the baby to be born easier. The reason is, birth balls help to open your pelvis to be wider.

Finally, the delivery time will be much shorter, especially if you have routinely used the birth ball a few months before the birth process. Some of the other benefits of a birth ball that you can get are:

Helps relieve pain during labor
Reduces pain during contractions
Relieves anxiety and stress during childbirth

How do I use a birth ball during labor?

There are a variety of different ways to use a birth ball during pregnancy and childbirth. It's just that, during labor you will usually be helped a lot by a doula or other trained person to ensure the safety of using a birth ball.

The first way can be by sitting on a birth ball, the service is sitting on a chair. After that, rock your pelvis in a back and forth or circular motion. Another way is to place the birth ball on the floor, while you kneel and lean on it. This allows your body to relax more during contractions.

Apart from being on the floor, birth balls can also be used on the bed while lying down. The use of birth balls is not only beneficial for the mother, medical personnel who accompany the delivery process can also provide additional assistance. For example, massage or other actions that can make you more comfortable.

Birth balls can also be used after pregnancy and childbirth

Uniquely, the benefits of a birth ball don't just stop after the birth process. Yes, you can still use it, especially if you have bruises or stitches that make it uncomfortable to sit on a regular chair. Birth ball can be used anywhere, whether at the dining table, in the television room, to the terrace of the house to relax.

You can also wear it together with your little one, for example when you are breastfeeding or you can carry a fussy child while sitting on a slowly rocking birth ball. This can help relieve crying and make your little one calmer. If you want to exercise, birth balls are no less effective at stretching your muscles as well as strengthening your pelvis.

But don't forget, before deciding to use a birth ball, it's a good idea to consult your gynecologist first.