Image: MomJunction Design Team
If you are an expecting mom, we have made a list of the best birthing balls for you. Birthing balls help to reduce labor pain, provide comfort, open pelvic floor muscles, and bring the baby into the right position for delivery. They can alleviate stress and are often used for prenatal workouts.
With various options available, choose one that suits your requirements. However, it is advised to seek a healthcare professional’s opinion before buying a birthing ball. So, check out the various sizes, materials, and features to choose the right birthing ball for yourself.
Safety Measures To Consider When Using Birthing Ball
It is always recommended to follow a certified expert’s guidance when exercising during pregnancy. We have some safety tips for you to follow when using a birthing ball.
- Use a firm ball that gives a gentle bounce and doesn’t slip away frequently.
- Choose a ball based on your height. Ideally, short-height women can use a 55cm ball, medium-height women can use a ball of 65cm size, and tall women can have a 75cm ball.
- Do not place the birthing ball on the floor, use it on a carpet or rug to avoid a slip.
- Take the support of a chair or sofa or wall when stretching or exercising with the birthing ball.
- Your exercise and stretching forms should be simple and not strenuous. The movement should be slow and not fast.
- Do not exercise alone. Always seek the help of your husband, family member, a fitness expert, or a certified professional.
Top Picks
11 Best Birthing Balls
1. Best Reliable: Trideer Exercise Ball
The pregnancy-safe thick and reliable birthing ball is made of high-quality PVC material and is free from toxic and BPA substances. It is available in different sizes, including small, large, double extra large, and trips extra large. Get this versatile ball home and help yourself in relieving stress. If you want to know more about the benefits of this product, check out this quick review on YouTube.
Pros
- Durable and safer
- Has anti-burst design
- Made of non-slip material
- Can hold 2200lb weight
- Ideal ball for all exercises
Cons
- May not hold air over time
- May not offer stability
"After testing several exercise balls, I finally found my match. The thick material and the honeycomb design make it seem like a durable and resilient choice. I even use it as a chair at times. Inflating it is time-consuming, but its quality performance makes it worth the investment."
Quick tip2. Best Material Quality: Live Infinitely Exercise Ball
The high-quality professional-grade birthing ball comes with a hand pump, valve remover, and two air plugs. It comes in three sizes, including 65cm, 75cm, and 85cm. You can get any birthing ball size as per your requirements and stay healthy during pregnancy.
Pros
- Made of good-quality PVC material
- Free from BPA, phthalate, heavy metal, and toxic
- Made of anti-slip and anti-burst material
- Supports 2200lb weight
- Provides multipurpose benefits
Cons
- May not be long-lasting
- May not be round in shape
"I love that this ball stays inflated and taut for a long period. It reduces the instances of refilling, which is a boon as inflating does demand some patience. However, it's very durable, evident by how well it sustained my weight before, during, and after pregnancy."
3. Best Easy-To-Hold: SmarterLife Products Exercise Ball
Helpful in prenatal and birthing exercises, this tried-and-tested pregnancy exercise ball is made of elastic and soft PVC material. It is easy to hold, and you can relax on it whenever you feel stressed. Anyone can use the ball for various purposes, such as correct posture, labor progression, etc.
Pros
- Non-stick and anti-slip feature
- Uniform thickness of 0.2cm
- Can hold 2000lb weight
- Burst resistant and versatile
- Comes with a hand pump and exercise guide
Cons
- May have inflating issues
"This exercise ball has helped streamline my at-home workouts. Setting it up was challenging due to the two plus, but the anti-slip texture has been a boon for those complicated exercise movements. Plus, the vibrant colors are a bonus."
Quick tip4. Best Commercial-Grade: Bigtree Yoga Ball
Bigtree Yoga Ball can be your perfect companion for athletic training, bodybuilding, physiotherapy, and more. This trusted physical therapy tool can help you perform prenatal and pelvis opening exercises and is designed to help you strengthen your core muscles.
Pros
- Made of commercial-grade PVC
- Slip-resistant
- Anti-burst design
- Can withstand weights up to 600lb
- Rubberized surface
- Includes a hand air pump
Cons
- Might not hold air for long
- Size may run small
"Its compact size suits my petite frame pretty well. While quick to inflate, it needs frequent inflations to remain firm. However, that is made easy by the included pump. Moreover, the extra plugs and base ring have come in handy to prevent leaks and keep the ball stable."
5. Best For Relaxing: ProBody Pilates Exercise Ball
Keep your body relaxed and fit with the help of this user-tested birthing ball during pregnancy. The pregnancy ball can be used for multiple purposes, such as abdominal exercises, stretching, sitting on it, and relaxing. It is made of professional-grade material that is safe and durable for use.
Pros
- Supports 600lb weight
- Burst-resistant and low-odor material
- Free from toxic substances
- Available in different sizes
Cons
- May not be durable
"With this option, I finally found a birthing ball that inflates easily and quickly. Besides, its thick material is durable enough to withstand my weight and a few swipes from my furry pet. Hence, I recommend you go for it."
6. Best Pain-Relieving: Babygo Birthing Ball
This birthing ball by Babygo is designed to alleviate pregnancy-induced pain stemming from sore hips, SPD, sciatica, and the like. It is available in 65cm and 75cm sizes and can withstand weights up to 2200lb. In addition, the ball is loved by several reviewers and it comes with a pregnancy book with precise nutritional tips and over 40 trimester-specific exercises.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Includes a foot air pump
- Facilitates postpartum recovery too
- Made of durable material
Cons
- May be cumbersome to inflate the ball
- May require frequent air-refilling
"Using this ball during my pregnancy has been instrumental in relieving my hip pain and providing overall comfort. However, its foot pump was tricky to use during the later stages of pregnancy. Still, I consider it a good find as it encouraged me to work out more."
7. Best Multipurpose: UrbnFit Exercise Ball
The pregnancy-safe UrbnFit exercise ball is highly versatile. Apart from being suitable for pregnancy workouts, it also facilitates exercises for building core strength, improving flexibility and balance, and building back muscles. As a seat, the ball helps with posture improvement.
Pros
- Anti-burst and anti-slip design
- Can withstand weights up to 600lb
- Made of sturdy PVC material
- Quick to set up and use
- Includes a free workout guide
- Includes an air pump
Cons
- May not be true to size
- Pump may not be highly durable
"This exercise ball has been my companion throughout my postpartum period. Its sturdy build keeps me worry-free about it ripping or tipping. Besides, it has retained its shape well even after being used for a long time."
Caution8. Best Slip-Resistant: RGGD&RGGL Yoga Ball
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has earned its stripes, with over 4,915 reviews on Amazon.
Made of heavy-weight vinyl, this trusted birthing ball is about 1.5 times thicker and durable than other exercise balls. The package includes two resistant bands, inflatable stability ring, foot pump, cleaning pad, and a few accessories. It is suitable for enhancing postnatal and prenatal fitness.
Pros
- Versatile and slip-resistant
- Safe and durable
- Odor-free and explosion-proof
- Can support 2200lb weight
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Size may not be suitable for all
"Getting this ball has made my pregnancy yoga regime more comfortable and fruitful. It did have a noticeable odor upon arrival; however, airing it for a while helped resolve that issue. Plus, the ridges enhance its anti-slip performance and keep me stable."
9. Best Anti-Slip: Vivora Luno Exercise Ball Chair
This time-tested unique sitting and exercise ball by Vivora is perfect for those looking for a stylish ball chair, as it has a tailored cover. Apart from adding to the home’s decor, the spherical case makes the ball less squishy and more firm, offering a comfortable seating experience. The ball has a cover with a handle for easy portability.
Pros
- Anti-burst PVC ball
- Durable and neat stitching
- Machine-washable cover
- Anti-slip tacti-grip
Cons
- Some may find the raised seams uncomfortable
- Some may find the fabric to be hot
"I never liked the cold PVC material touching my skin, so I am delighted with this ball’s cover-equipped structure. It is comfortable to use, barring a few prominent seams, and the handle makes it easy to move. In short, it has been an excellent fitness companion."
10. Best Anti-Burst: Gaiam Essentials Balance Ball
If you have a desk job, lay your hands on this balance ball. Gaiam Essentials’ unisex balance ball measures 65cm and is built with an anti-burst high-quality rubber that can take weight up to 300lb. It helps promote better posture and body alignment and provides back pain relief. A hit among reviewers, the inflatable ball set comes complete with an air pump and inflatable ring base that keeps the ball from rolling.
Pros
- Available in five colors
- Includes an air pump
- Suitable for yoga
- Suitable for home or office
Cons
- May have a peculiar smell when new
"Its unique ring base was the first thing that appealed to me. It has kept the ball from rolling everywhere and even allowed me to use it as a chair. I wish the inflation process were a bit easier; nevertheless, I still recommend it for its functionality and durability."
11. Best Non-Toxic: Mantra Sports Exercise Ball
This workout and birthing ball by Mantra Sports, a trusted brand, utilizes non-toxic and BPA-free PVC, making it skin-friendly. The extra-thick and sturdy balance ball is also suitable for pilates, physiotherapy, improving posture, reducing pain, lowering the pelvic pressure, and strengthening the muscles for labor.
Pros
- Slow release of air for safety in case of puncture
- Slip-resistant textured surface
- Heavy chemicals-free
- Suitable for resistance training
- Easy-to-use hand pump
Cons
- May emit a peculiar smell when new
- May be challenging to inflate it
"The best part about this ball is its precise sizing and reliable firmness. It helps me perform my low-impact maternity exercises with ease. While I had to switch its flimsy pump with a new one, the ball continues to be my preferred option for working out."
Benefits Of A Birthing Ball
Using a birthing ball during pregnancy and before the delivery time could be helpful in many ways. Some of the common benefits are mentioned below (1) (2) (3).
- Corrects body posture, provides relaxation, and improves muscle stretching
- Increases flexibility, resistance, and strength
- Helps in balancing quadriceps and lower back
- Lowers the chances of c-section
- Relieves discomfort during labor and before delivery
- Reposition the baby
- Eases labor pain and tension in the back
- Reduces anxiety and stress levels
- Helps maintain upright positions
How To Choose The Right Birthing Ball?
Consider these factors when selecting an appropriate birthing ball.
- Material: The ball should be latex-free and made of durable, field-tested materials such as PVC or eco-friendly rubber. These are firm, light, long-lasting, and do not have any inflation problems.
- Size: A correct size of birthing ball lets you exercise without any hassle. There are three to four sizes of balls available. If you are 5’5” or shorter, use a 55cm ball. If you are between 5’5” and 5’8”, use a 65cm ball. And if you are taller than 5’8”, use a 75cm ball.
- Grade: Look for an expert-approved or professional-grade birthing ball that has an anti-slip and burst-free feature. Such a maternity ball can withstand your pregnancy weight so that you don’t have to worry and allows you to exercise freely.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When should I start using a birthing ball?
Birth balls are safe to use during any trimester of pregnancy. A birthing ball can ease the aches and pains, especially when you are near the delivery date (1).
2. When should I start bouncing on a ball when pregnant?
Gentle birth ball exercises can ease pregnancy discomfort. You can start around 32 weeks (1).
3. Do birthing balls induce labor?
Birthing balls can only minimize the discomfort caused by pregnancy. However, there is no evidence that birthing balls can induce labor. But sitting in the open pelvic position on a birthing ball can only prepare your body.
4. How long should I sit on a birthing ball?
Experts recommend sitting on a birthing ball for not more than 15 to 20 minutes. You should stop using the ball as soon as you are uncomfortable in a certain position.
5. Does bouncing on a ball help open the cervix?
Applying pressure on the cervix can help in dilation. But a birthing ball can only help reduce lower back and pelvic pain in active labor (2).
6. What’s the best size for a birthing ball?
65 cm to 75 cm is the right birthing ball size for pregnancy. A high-quality birthing ball is pressure-tested and can easily bear a weight of up to 300 kg (1).
7. Is a birthing ball the same as a yoga ball?
Birthing balls are similar to yoga balls or gym balls. However, yoga balls are smaller than birthing balls.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Vibha Navarathna writes on pregnancy, nursing, and baby products. As a mother herself, she is well versed with the needs and requirements of expecting mothers. She has scoured hundreds of trusted websites to find the best birthing balls for a healthy and stress-free pregnancy. An ideal birthing ball should be eco-friendly, appropriately sized, and durable. She has listed each product providing important details and vital factors. In addition, she has included safety measures, benefits, and a buying guide to help you select the right one.
The Bottom Line
The best birthing balls for pregnancy could help you do various exercises and relax or reduce the pain during labor. They help promote labor and simplify postpartum workouts like pelvic strength training. You may follow the safety instructions to avoid falls and injuries while using a birthing ball. Learning to use birthing balls from certified experts is advisable to get the desired results. Moreover, go through the pros and cons of each product to make an informed decision. We recommend the Trideer Exercise Ball, which is made of premium PVC material and features an anti-burst design, and the Live Infinitely Exercise Ball, which has a hand pump and a non-slip surface. You can also try the SmarterLife Products Exercise Ball, with a high weight capacity and uniform thickness.
Infographics: Choosing The Right Birthing Ball For Pregnancy
Pregnancy can sometimes be an unpleasant experience; birthing balls can help reduce labor pain, provide comfort, open pelvic muscles, and bring the baby into the right position for delivery. Check out this infographic to help you choose a birthing ball that suits your preferences. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Using a birth ball
https://www.tommys.org/using-birth-ball - How To Use A Pregnancy Ball
https://www.thebirthcollective.org/how-to-use-a-pregnancy-ball-and-the-benefits/
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