Benefits of sitting on an exercise ball?

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karaelaine1991

FTM so no personal experience, but I've heard that they're very beneficial. I did take a Pilates and stability ball class in college (not for pregnancy, but still), and my instructor told us that just sitting does strengthen your core and improve posture (the posture thing isn't really helpful to labor, but cool side effect, I guess). I would imagine that bouncing would probably be good for your leg muscles. I've also heard that they're helpful if you want a natural, epidural-free labor.

If you want more information that is actually factually based, I'm sure your doctor can give you more info! I know you're just looking for feedback here, but just saying

MamaBish

I actually sit on a ball at work all the time. I have been using it for about 3 years and my back problems have disappeared. I think it has also helped my joints during pregnancy. I find myself feeling fine at work, but if I sit on my couch or lay in bed, I feel stiff and sore. I definitely think it has helped me!

devyns2nd

It helped me! I think it did anyway. I pushed DD out in 15 mins. I'm definitely going to do again this time. Not to mention it feels good too. It relieves all kinds of back and bottom pressure. It kind of spreads your hips too ...it just feels good!

devyns2nd

...And I did have an all natural labor and the ball helped get through contractions. I can't say 100% it's the reason I didn't have an epidural but I'm a ball believer.

mamahawk12

Yep, sitting on an excercise ball is good for you whether you're pregnant or not. It helps with core strength and posture. In the early stages of labor, it's said to help open up your pelvis to help baby move down.

ElRuby

I did it and thought it was great.... I also had it in my head that it was going to help with labor so it upped my confidence (even if it was totally psychological)!

kales0719

oo...good to know. Looks like I am investing in a ball

lilitaliangirl

Glad I clicked on this thread. I actually Have an exercise ball (deflated, lol) and going to air that baby up tomorrow. I have done ZERO in the activity department since my BFP

elizab14

I sit on one at work because I've had so much pelvic pain. It's wonderful.

missjenniebean

My Dr told me to sit on one to help back pain. Forces you to watch your posture and strengthens the core.

MCRM14

On one of my other boards a few women were saying to help with bringing labor along they would bounce on their balls as well....i keep forgetting to look for a ball when I'm at the store...i will remember one of these days

alsier

I think after reading this thread that I'm also gonna buy a ball!  Anyone know of the best kind to buy, and how big it should be?  I'm 5'3" and weigh about 145 right now.

ciennah99

alsier said:

I think after reading this thread that I'm also gonna buy a ball!  Anyone know of the best kind a to buy, and how big it should be?  I'm 5'3" and weigh about 145 right now.

I'm wondering this too. I have giant one that is fine die bouncing but for sitting at my desk I think I'd need a smaller one. I'm 5'6" so probably a standard size. I have a lot of low back pain and mid back pain. Do you guys think it would help with this?

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MamaBish

alsier said:

I think after reading this thread that I'm also gonna buy a ball!  Anyone know of the best kind to buy, and how big it should be?  I'm 5'3" and weigh about 145 right now.

I'm 5'4" and I got one that is 55" and it works great for sitting all day.

mindaa

I've used one at the office for years, but sadly found that it hasn't been that comfortable the last few weeks