GIVE BIRTH WITH BALLS - Peanut balls for labour and birth

Women's Pelvic Health
Written By Beata Sadowska PT, CGIMS, Pelvic Health

What is a peanut ball? It is an exercise therapy ball shaped like a peanut.

The peanut ball is more commonly (not exclusively) used when mom needs to remain in bed, whether because of epidural use, labour complications or simply because mom is totally exhausted.

Usind a peanut ball may help open the inlet of the pelvis (beginning of labour) or the outlet of the pelvis towards the end of the labouring journey.

Opening up of the pelvis helps to progressing labour as it makes a way for the baby to move easily trough the birthing canal. A peanut ball is an excellent birthing tool that can help you during the first and second stages of labour, meaning that this ball may help you in dilating or opening the cervix to 10 cm. A peanut ball may also be helpful with the pushing stages of labour.

Randomized controlled studies by Tussey et al from 2011 and 2015 showed that women (including those with and without an epidural) who used a peanut ball during labour had a significantly shorter labour time and were less likely to require a cesarean section when compared to women who did not use the peanut ball.

Here are more benefits of using the peanut ball during pregnancy and delivery:

  • may help in reducing the duration of labour

  • it may shorten pushing time

  • it may help in engagement and position of the baby during the later stages of pregnancy 

  • it may reduce the chance of requiring a C section 

  • it can decrease fatigue

  • it can reduce the need for the use of forceps and vacuum extraction during labour

  • it helps the baby to get into the position for labour

One size does not fit all as there are different sizes of the peanut ball. It is important that you get a peanut ball designed for labour and find a size that is comfortable for you. Below are recommended sizes based on your height:

  • if you are a less than 5’ 3” inches - 40 cm is recommended

  • if you are 5’ 3” to 5’ 7”’ - 50 cm is recommended

  • taller than 5’ 7” - 60 cm is recommended

  • note that a 70 cm peanut ball would only work for sitting on or straddling over

There are many options for ways you can use the peanut ball during your labour. Some options are pictured here:

A peanut ball is an amazing and inexpensive tool that can help you and your partner feel more comfortable and confident in getting ready to welcome your baby.

Would like to learn more about how else we can help make your birth experience more comfortable? Contact us today and we will be privileged to help you on this wonderful journey.

In health

Beata ....

References:

Tussey CM, Botsios E, Gerkin RD, Kelly LA, Gamez J, Mensik J. Reducing Length of Labor and Cesarean Surgery Rate Using a Peanut Ball for Women Laboring With an Epidural. J Perinat Educ. 2015;24(1):16-24. doi: 10.1891/1058-1243.24.1.16. PMID: 26937158; PMCID: PMC4748987.

Tussey C, Botsios E. Use of a labor ball to decrease the length of labor in patients who receive an epidural. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing. 2011 Jun 1;40:S105-6.

Beata Sadowska PT, CGIMS, Pelvic Health

Beata believes that every patient recovers differently from injuries and that treatment should be individualized to ensure the best results possible. Well-versed in a broad range of therapeutic techniques and dedicated to orthopedic manual therapy, Beata is continuously updating her hands-on techniques through various courses. Beata enjoys working with all her patients from infants to the elderly. Over the years she has gained experience helping clients with various orthopedic and sports-related and pediatric conditions. Beata has a special interest in pelvic health and urinary incontinence and has completed post-graduate Pelvic Health Training and works with women and men to help reduce their pain and maximize their function.

https://www.resolutionclinic.com/beata-sadowska-pt
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