35 weeks to late to start using exercise ball for first time?

babyalex124

Also on 3rd Trimester board:

I feel so stupid asking this but I haven't used the exercise ball at all this pregnancy, but my doula suggested it in preparation for a med-free birth.  You know how we are always told to not try anything that our body isn't used to while we're pregnant?  Is this one of those instances?  I just wonder because I didn't start it sooner in my pregnancy if it's safe to start rocking/doing figure eights wtih my hips at 35 weeks.  I'm getting close to delivery, but obviously I don't want to do anything to start things up this early. 

starlightstef

I think it should be fine.  It's not like you're taking up horseback riding!   If nothing else, just sit on it.  It improves your posture which helps baby to get into a more optimal position for birth.  I keep mine in the living room so I sit on it instead of the couch, and occassionally I bring it up to the office.  If your table isn't too high, you could use it as your dining room chair too.  The more you sit on it, the better!

jinnymb

DH and I started doing birth exercises about a month ago including using the ball.  I think they mean like anything intense like running, stuff like that.

I know people who wait to take yoga and prenatal swim class til 3rd tri. : ) 

aylafsu88

2013mommy:

I started using my ball around that time. I found it to be so much more comfortable to sit on the ball and for a month it is the only place I sat at home! The rocking and figure 8s definitely help lower baby down into your pelvis but everything I read said it is very unlikely to cause labor to start. It will just help get baby where he needs to be! Using the ball was also really helpful in my labor as well! I labored while sitting on a ball until I was about 7cm.  

I never did any exercises on mine, I mostly used it as a comfortable seat. I agree with PPs that it is perfectly fine to start doing your exercises now. 

Haley.Beth

I agree with the pp's that just use it as a comfy seat. You don't have to use it solely for exercise. Actually, when I'm sitting on it, I subconsciously find myself rocking back and forth and bouncing lightly. Don't make yourself sore or hurting using it, though!

wouldntitbenice

I just went and got my exercise ball to try out for the first time based on the responses to this post -- it feels amazing, and I can't believe I wasn't sitting on it sooner. 

babyalex124

wouldntitbenice:

I just went and got my exercise ball to try out for the first time based on the responses to this post -- it feels amazing, and I can't believe I wasn't sitting on it sooner. 

That's great!  I got mine yesterday and love it!  It is SO comfy.  Of course, I have to share it with my 2 year old because she thinks it's the coolest toy ever.  Haha.