Squatting back on
the birth ball
- The birthing ball will give the mother back support when squatting to widen the pelvic outlet.
- Stand with your exercise ball between your back and the wall with feet slightly more than hip width apart, toes pointed outward
- Hold the back of a chair for support if you need to.
- Pull your chest up, relax your shoulders, and lower yourself to the floor.
- You should feel most of your weight toward your heels.
Sitting on the ball leaning forward
Standing leaning over the labor ball
Kneeling leaning over the ball
Sitting up on the ball.
The Cochrane Collaboration found sitting on a ball or side lying on the ball while pushing during the second stage of labor was better than lying on your back for the following reasons:
- The duration of the second stage of labor was reduced
- There was a small reduction in the number of labors requiring assistance
- Less episiotomies were required
- There was a slight increase in 2nd degree perineal tears
- The risk of blood loss more than 500ml was greater.
- There were fewer reports of severe pain during the 2nd stage.
- There was a reduction in the number of abnormal fetal heart rate patterns
More information on the birth ball/labor ball:
What is a labour ball?
Our readers' ball tips
Reduced pain found in study
Exercising while pregnant?
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