There is a growing trend of medical inductions of labors, which means many parents-to-be are also looking for natural ways to induce labor.
There’s always someone who claims that sitting on a birth ball is what started their labor. But wait – how could it be that easy?!
Using an exercise ball, yoga ball or a birth ball to induce labor is not as easy as it sounds.
As a labor and delivery nurse, I often recommend my patients use a birth ball during their labor. It’s a great way to keep ligaments loose, find some comfort, and open the pelvis during labor.
But birth balls do not start labor.
So what does a birth ball do?
Gently bouncing on a birthing ball may help the baby move lower into the pelvis, which can apply some pressure to the cervix. Having the baby engaged in the pelvis can help speed up labor when the time comes by helping the baby’s head put pressure on the cervix.
Using birthing balls during the later stages of pregnancy is a great idea to help prepare your body for childbirth, but won’t start contractions. They can also help alleviate back pain and will help keep the muscles and ligaments in the pelvis loose and ready for labor.
When should you start using a birth ball
You can use a birth ball at any point in the pregnancy or labor. Sitting on a ball, gently bouncing, swaying your hips, and rocking back and forth can help with back pain, pelvic pain, and with contraction pain in general
How to use a birth ball
During pregnancy or labor, there are so many different ways to use a birth ball.
- Sit on a ball and gently sway hips. You can do side to side, in a circle, figure 8, or forward and back. Get creative and see what feels right!
- Sit on a birth ball and lean against something. Just sink into the ball and relax!
- Place the ball against the wall and stand against it for support. Roll the ball side to side to give a gentle massage or give you an alternative way of moving.
- On your hands and knees, lean over the top of the ball for support.
These are just a few examples, and as you get comfortable using the ball you may come up with new positions on your own!
If you’re on the fence about using a ball, I suggest you give it a try! It won’t hurt anything, and if anything it will help!