Quick question!- exercise ball size

blessedandhopeful

I am starting various methods to help induce labor in order to avoid a RCS. I am at the store looking at exercise/birth balls. My height is the cut off between two sizes. I am 5'4, and some websites say 55 cm is best, while others say 65 is best. Does it matter that much as far as what I will be using it for? Which would you buy?

Thanks!

Lizmullen

I'm 5'3" and I've always excercised with the 55 cm one. I have been using that one as well.

ThereBeDragons

I like going up a size because I'm well above the average weight for my height (even before baby) and I always sink into the ball more than a lighter person would. So when I buy the size recommended- I always feel like I'm squatting way down instead of properly supported and have a hard time getting on/off the ball.

TaylorHam86

When you sit on the ball, your quads should be parallel with the ground. If your hips are lower than your knees, you need a bigger ball.

awc1986

65cm if you want it to be comfortable. You can always deflate it to suit. I'm 5'3" and have a 65cm, which is good up to 5'9". I buy them for a living (sports retail buyer) so don't worry, I'm trustworthy!

blessedandhopeful

Thanks guys! I am getting a 65 cm. Makes sense that you can deflate it a little if it is too big. Hope it helps.

mrstengallonhat1

I'm the same height and bought a 65 cm ball. The 55 cm seemed way too small!

frasey

DH got me one for Christmas.... we just inflated it today and realized its a 55 cm. Im 5'7" and I def think I need a bigger one... anyone wanna trade?

shaunamw

Just curious... What do you do on the yoga ball to induce labor?

awc1986

@shaunamw‌ - it won't induce labor per se, but bouncing on it and rotating your hips can help bring baby down. The position you have to adopt opens up your pelvis too, which is why some people like to use it in labor.

shaunamw

Got it thanks! So basically all the same things the different yogo positions are doing. I tried the ball tonight and it is actually pretty com