A Birthing Ball is a physical therapy ball (approximately 65 cm.) Birthing Balls can help expectant/laboring women get into positions that are more comfortable and can enhance labor's progress. These positions provide movement to change the position of the baby if necessary. Kettering Medical Center has birthing balls for each Labor/Delivery/Recovery room on the unit. You may first become familiar with a Birthing Ball during childbirth education class. Be sure to practice on it during class! Feel how comfortable it is! Sometimes expectant parents even purchase their own Birthing Balls!

1. Rotate a posterior baby to anterior.
2. Straighten a baby who is descending at an angle in the pelvis.
3. Ease pelvic floor aching.
4. Sit in a supported squat to widen pelvic outlet.
5. Hasten descent of baby by being upright and using gravity.
6. Ease back labor.
7. Have an alternative upright position.
8. Reduce stress on hands/wrists when doing pelvic rock on all fours.
9. Enhances relaxation of pelvic floor or Kegels.
10. Stretch vertebrae for epidural anesthesia.

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