Pregnant people use exercise balls, also known as birthing balls, primarily to ease pain and pressure and improve posture during pregnancy and labor.
Birthing balls are versatile tools valuable throughout pregnancy and even during labor. They offer several key benefits that help manage the physical demands of carrying a baby.
Relieving Pain and Pressure
A major reason pregnant individuals turn to exercise balls is for pain relief. According to experts like Wilson, birthing balls can ease pain and pressure in your back, pelvic area, and tailbone. These areas often bear significant strain as pregnancy progresses.
Improving Posture and Comfort
Using an exercise ball as a seat during pregnancy also helps improve posture. Sitting on a birthing ball encourages better alignment and engages core muscles gently. This improved posture contributes to relieving overall pressure. Relieving this pressure, as mentioned by Wilson, can help with aches and pains commonly experienced during pregnancy.
Using an exercise ball can provide:
- Relief: Helps ease pain and pressure in the back, pelvis, and tailbone.
- Support: Encourages better posture while sitting.
- Comfort: Reduces general aches and pains associated with pregnancy pressure.
These benefits make exercise balls a popular and effective tool for managing discomfort and promoting physical well-being throughout the prenatal and labor periods.
