Pregnancy Products The Best Birthing Balls for Pregnancy, Labor, and Postpartum By Laura Lu, MS Laura Lu, MS Laura has written for some of the nation’s top health care organizations, including Mayo Clinic and University of California, San Francisco. She’s also composed a variety of health and wellness articles for Brit+Co. She is passionate about translating complex health care information into stories that everyone can relate to and understand. Learn about our editorial process Updated on February 16, 2023 Medically reviewed by Alyssa Dweck, MD Medically reviewed by Alyssa Dweck, MD LinkedIn Alyssa Dweck, MD, MS, is a board-certified gynecologist and an assistant clinical professor at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. She provides care to women of all ages, and she has delivered thousands of babies. Learn about our Medical Review Board Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products. Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. Learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Verywell Family / David Hattan Whether you plan to give birth in a hospital, birthing center, or at home, a birthing ball can be a helpful tool to use during labor. There are a variety of ways to use a birthing ball, and it can help with everything from relieving labor pains to reducing the rate of cesarean section for women who’ve had an epidural. What’s more, using a birthing ball can even help shorten the amount of time you’re in labor by up to 90 minutes. “A birthing ball can help a woman during labor by relieving pressure from the pelvic area,” says Aimee Eaves, M.S., a postpartum doula with After the Stork. “It also helps open up the pelvic area to bring the baby into position [for birth] and gives the mom a [more] active role in bringing her baby into this world.” When choosing a birthing ball, you should consider its size, material, and shape. Birthing balls can cost anywhere from $16-$120, though most on our list cost around $30. To determine the best birthing balls, we consulted with a doctor of osteopathic medicine who specializes in health care. We also spoke with two doulas and a scientific researcher who specializes in biomonitoring pregnant people. Safety First While using a birthing ball during labor can have its benefits, there may be medical reasons that can prevent you from doing so or the practice may not be supported by your obstetrics provider. Please check with your provider before using a birthing ball at any point in your pregnancy or labor. You should also keep in mind that your body’s center of gravity is constantly changing during pregnancy due to your growing uterus. At times, you may find it difficult to maintain your balance, which can make sitting on a birthing ball challenging. When doing so, your legs should be at a 90-degree angle with your feet flat on the floor. You should also be able to sit up straight, and your knees should be aligned with your hips. If you can’t maintain this posture, it could be an indication that your birthing ball is too big or small. Be sure to choose a birthing ball that is the right size for you based on your height (see chart in the What to Look For section). Our Top Picks Best Overall: The Birth Ball Birthing Ball at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: BalanceFrom Exercise Ball at Amazon Jump to Review Best Peanut Ball: Milliard Peanut Ball at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Labor: Tumaz Birth Ball at Amazon Jump to Review Best Yoga Ball for Pregnancy: BABYGO Birthing Ball at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Stretching: ProBody Yoga Ball at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Back Pain: Trideer Yoga Exercise Ball at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Sitting: Gaiam Ultimate Balance Ball Chair at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Pelvis Widening: INPANY Peanut Ball at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Postpartum: GalSports Pregnancy Birthing Ball at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks How We Selected What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Family Best Overall The Birth Ball Birthing Ball for Pregnancy & Labor 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon Pros Designed by a mom Includes 18-page exercise guide Comes with nonslip socks Cons May have a smell upon opening The Birth Ball was designed by a mom and can be used during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. It comes with an in-depth guide of trimester-specific exercises that can help relieve discomfort and prepare your body for labor, as well as nonslip socks and a portable hand pump. This ball is made of 16P-free polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which means it does not contain the phthalates on the Proposition 65 list known to cause birth defects, reproductive harm, or cancer. However, it can have a lingering smell after it’s first opened, so we recommend letting this ball air out until the smell has subsided and having adequate airflow around you when first using this ball. Price at time of publication: $35 Key Specs:Sizes: 26 inches and 30 inches | Height Range: Up to 5’8” (26-inch ball) and 5’9” and over (30-inch ball) | Material: 16P-free PVC Best Budget BalanceFrom Exercise Ball Amazon View On Amazon Pros Slip-resistant material Comes with a foot pump Two-year warranty and 100% satisfaction guarantee Cons Must sit at room temperature before inflating If you’re looking for a budget-friendly exercise ball to use during labor, we recommend the BalanceFrom Exercise Ball, which costs less than $20 and comes with a handy foot pump. Keep in mind, however, that you’ll need to let it sit at room temperature for a few hours before inflating for the first time. When purchasing this ball, you can choose from five different sizes and seven different colors. It also comes with a two-year warranty. Price at time of publication: $16 Key Specs:Sizes: S (18 inches), M (22 inches), L (26 inches), XL (30 inches), XXL (34 inches) | Height Range: Up 5’ (M), 5’1” to 5’5” (L), 5’6” to 6’1” (XL), 6’2” and over (XXL) (size S not recommended as birthing ball) | Material: Phthalate/heavy metal-free rubber composite Best Peanut Ball Milliard Peanut Ball Amazon View On Amazon Pros May help reduce labor time Can be used after an epidural Latex and phthalate-free 400-pound max weight capacity Cons Can’t be used for seating Hard to clean The Milliard Peanut Ball is slightly different from other birthing balls in that it’s designed for people in labor to use while lying down, either in a semi-reclined or side-lying position. Although it comes in four different sizes, Milliard recommends people use either the blue (31 x 15 inches) or yellow (35 x 17 inches) peanut ball during labor. When used correctly, peanut balls may not only reduce labor time, but also help women who have had an epidural progress in labor and deliver their baby vaginally (instead of a C-section). The peanut-shaped Milliard ball can be used as an exercise ball, for physical therapy, and even as a dog-training aid, but it’s not ideal if you want to use it to sit on. And while its unique shape and ribbed surface make it slip-resistant, it can make it difficult to clean. Price at time of publication: $24 Key Specs:Sizes: 31 x 15 inches and 35 x 17 inches | Height Range: Not listed | Material: Phthalate-free PVC Best for Labor Tumaz Birth Ball Amazon View On Amazon Pros Anti-burst and anti-slip material Includes extra labor accessories Great baby shower gift Cons Difficult to inflate This birthing ball comes with a variety of items that can help during and after labor. In addition to a matching yoga strap for stretching, it also comes with an exercise instruction guide, nonslip socks, and an ergonomic peri bottle for postpartum use. Best of all, the peri bottle comes with a travel bag so you can take it with you on the go. The Tumaz ball is made of phthalate-free PVC and comes in three different sizes and five different colors. However, not every color is available in every size. Inflating this ball can be challenging, so you may need to ask for help to do so. Price at time of publication: $35 Key Specs:Sizes: M (22 inches to 26 inches) and L (27 inches to 30 inches) | Height Range: Not listed | Material: Phthalate-free PVC The Best Gowns for Labor and Delivery to Wear From Triage to Recovery Best Yoga Ball for Pregnancy BABYGO Birthing Ball Amazon View On Amazon Pros Comes with a 100-page exercise book for the entire pregnancy and postpartum Anti-burst material Includes pump Cons Difficult to inflate The BABYGO Birthing Ball is available in two sizes and comes with a foot pump, tape measure, ball plugs, and plug remover. You’ll also receive a 100-page book that includes trimester-specific exercises, nutrition, and tips for labor and postpartum recovery. Although this ball comes with a pump, it can take a while to inflate. To speed up the process, we suggest using a bike or mattress pump. Price at time of publication: $30 Key Specs:Sizes: 26 inches and 30 inches | Height Range: 4’8” to 5’10” (26-inch ball) and 5’11” and over (30-inch ball) | Material: Hypoallergenic phthalate/latex-free PVC Best Online Prenatal Yoga Classes Best for Stretching ProBody Yoga Ball Amazon View On Amazon Pros Washable cover Choose from felt or cotton-linen blend Handle for easy carrying Cons Cover may fit loosely One size only The ProBody Yoga Ball comes with a removable, machine-washable cover that’s available in five different colors. You can choose from either a felt or a cotton-linen blend cover, each with a handle that makes it easy to carry with a growing belly. However, the cover may fit loosely on your ball depending on how much you pump it up. This ball is made from phthalate-free acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), which is more flexible than PVC. This makes the ProBody Yoga Ball especially useful for stretching during pregnancy. In addition to the cover, this ball comes with a manual, pump, two plugs, and plug remover. Price at time of publication: $80 Key Specs:Sizes: 24 inches | Height Range: Not listed | Material: Phthalate-free ABS Best for Back Pain Trideer Extra Thick Yoga Exercise Ball Amazon View On Amazon Pros Available in five sizes Reinforced honeycomb design for improved durability Free from BPA, heavy metals, phthalates, and latex Cons Included pump might not work well If you have pregnancy-related back pain, doing certain exercises on the Trideer Yoga Ball can help. Specifically, you’ll want to do lumbar stabilization exercises (like pelvic tilts), which have been shown to successfully alleviate chronic lower back pain. The Trider Yoga Ball features a honeycomb pattern design, which greatly increases its strength and durability. When ordering this ball, you’ll notice that there are five sizes, so be sure to choose the correct one as it pertains to your height. Also, the small and medium sizes are meant for workouts like inner leg ball squeezes—not for sitting. No matter which size you choose, you can feel confident that this ball was made without BPA, heavy metals, phthalates, and latex. Price at time of publication: $23-$37 Key Specs:Sizes: S (15 inches to 18 inches), M (19 inches to 22 inches), L (23 inches to 26 inches), XL (27 inches to 30 inches), XXL (31 inches to 33 inches) | Height Range: Up to 4’5” (S), 4’5” to 5’1” (M), 5’1” to 5’9” (L), 5’9” to 6’3” (XL), 6’3” and over (XXL) | Material: BPA/heavy metal/phthalate/latex-free PVC Best for Sitting Gaiam Ultimate Balance Ball Chair 4.2 Amazon View On Amazon View On Academy.com View On Everydayyoga.com Pros Swivel or standard base Lockable caster wheels Made from 8P-free PVC Cons Only one size available The great thing about the Gaiam Ultimate Balance Ball Chair is that it comes in a standard or swivel base, which makes moving around while pregnant much easier. However, keep in mind that, although this ball can be a great alternative to a desk chair, it’s not recommended that anyone sit on one for an extended period of time. This ball comes with an 18-pose stretching guide, air pump, and support bar that attaches to the base. Since it is only available in one size, it’s recommended for people between 5 feet and 5 feet, 11 inches tall, and has a 300-pound weight capacity. Note that you’ll need a couple of days to inflate it to its proper size, since you need to deflate it halfway after 24 hours and then inflate it again to its full capacity, and it has a 300-pound weight capacity. Price at time of publication: $100 Key Specs:Sizes: 20 inches | Height Range: 5’ to 5’11” | Material: 6P-free PVC Best for Pelvis Widening INPANY Peanut Ball Amazon View On Amazon Pros Burst resistant Nonslip surface Easy to inflate Cons Only one size available Can feel too large for smaller women Using the INPANY Peanut Ball can provide a variety of benefits during labor. This is accomplished by incorporating it into specific positions, like a semi-sitting lunge, which can widen your pelvis and help your baby descend in preparation for birth. You can even use this peanut ball if you’ve had an epidural by lying on your side and placing it between your legs, which helps widen your pelvis. The INPANY ball is available in three different colors and comes with a foot pump and valve plug. At its widest point, this peanut ball is 20 inches tall, which is a typical size for women to use in labor. However, it may feel too large depending on the size of your belly, so be sure to try it out before you’re in labor. Price at time of publication: $31 Key Specs:Sizes: 39 x 20 inches | Height Range: Not listed | Material: BPA/heavy metal-free PVC Best for Postpartum GalSports Pregnancy Birthing Ball Amazon View On Amazon Pros Made from 6P-free PVC Anti-slip and anti-burst surface Alternative for rocking a baby to sleep Cons Lengthy inflation process The GalSports Pregnancy Ball is a must-have for your pregnancy and postpartum journey. It offers a soft yet supportive place for moms to sit, which is important as you recover from childbirth. You can also incorporate the ball into exercises that will strengthen your pelvic floor or gently bounce or sway on it while you soothe your baby to sleep. This ball has an anti-slip and anti-burst surface, which is especially important if you plan to use it while holding your newborn. It’s also made from 6P-free PVC and does not contain BPA, latex, heavy metals, or heavy metal salts. However, inflating this ball is a 24-hour process, so be sure to plan for the extra time before using it. Price at time of publication: $20-$27 Key Specs:Sizes: M (19 inches to 22 inches), L (23 inches to 26 inches), XL (27 inches to 30 inches) | Height Range: 4’8” to 5’3” (M), 5’4” to 5’10” (L), 5’11” to 6’4” (XL) | Material: 6P/BPA/Latex/Heavy metal/heavy metal salt-free PVC The Best Postpartum Products Make Recovery a Little More Bearable Best for Exercising Mantra Sports Exercise Ball Chair Amazon View On Amazon View On Mantrasports.com Pros Includes adjustable resistance bands Anti-slip and anti-burst material Includes a complete workout guide Cons Difficult to inflate with included hand pump The best part about the Mantra Sports Body Ball is that it can provide a full-body workout. Made of high-quality phthalate-free PVC, this ball can withstand up to 650 pounds and has an anti-slip surface. To further prevent slipping, this ball comes with a stability ring that you can place underneath while exercising. However, the included foot pump doesn’t work well, so we suggest using a bike or mattress pump. To enhance your workout routine, this ball comes with resistance bands that you can use for various arm and leg exercises. The bands attach securely to the stability ring and can be adjusted to your preference. Additionally, you’ll receive an exercise guide poster, measuring tape, and spare plugs with a plug remover. Although exercise can be beneficial for your pregnancy, you should always talk to your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise routine. Price at time of publication: $49 Key Specs:Sizes: 22 inches, 26 inches, 30 inches | Height Range: 4’8” to 5’3” (22-inch ball), 5’4” to 5’10” (26-inch ball), 5’11” to 6’4” (30-inch ball) | Material: BPA/phthalate-free PVC Best Online Prenatal Workouts How We Selected the Best Birthing Balls To select the best birthing balls, we consulted with Roseanna Miller, DO, who provides women’s healthcare at Square Care Medical Group, as well as Eaves and Racquel Story, a birth doula and certified yoga instructor. All three women offered a first-hand perspective on the benefits of using a birthing ball and how women can incorporate them into their labor and delivery experience. We also communicated via email with Erika Schreder, science director at Toxic-Free Future. Schreder leads Toxic-Free Future’s scientific research program and specializes in a variety of topics, including testing breast milk for harmful chemicals and monitoring pregnant women for BPA, phthalates, and other chemicals. What to Look for in a Birthing Ball Safety “When considering a birthing ball, a pregnant woman should choose one that is made from anti-burst material and [has] a stabilizing element so that she doesn’t tip over,” Eaves says. A great example of a ball with a stabilizing element is the Mantra Sports Exercise Ball, which comes with a ring that keeps the ball in place while in use. Before using a birthing ball, check with your doctor to make sure it’s safe for you to use during pregnancy and labor. Size Although you may have used whatever exercise ball was available at the gym, there’s actually a recommended size depending on how tall you are. When you sit on a birthing ball, your legs should be at a 90-degree angle with your feet flat on the floor. You should be able to sit up straight, and your knees should be aligned with your hips. Be sure to check the literature included with your ball or the manufacturer's website for the specific size chart for the brand. As a general guideline, the chart below is adapted from the exercise ball guidelines set by the American Council on Exercise: Your Height Ball Size < 5’ 18 in. 5’-5’5” 22 in. 5’6”-6’2” 26 in. > 6’2” 30 in. Material You’ll find that most (if not all) birthing balls are made from PVC. PVC can contain phthalates, a type of chemical that makes plastic more flexible. Phthalates have been dubbed the “everywhere chemical” because it’s nearly impossible to avoid them. They are most commonly found in vinyl flooring, personal care products, and PVC plastic, which is used to make everything from garden hoses to medical tubes. There are two schools of thought on phthalates: One that says they are harmful and should be avoided, and another that says more research is needed. The first school of thought suggests that phthalates can be harmful to our health and even cross the placenta to harm a growing fetus. In response, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) prohibits the manufacturing and selling of children’s toys or child care articles containing concentrations of more than 0.1% of eight types of phthalates. What’s more, many organizations use 6P-free PVC, which does not contain the six phthalates on the Proposition 65 list believed to cause birth defects, reproductive harm, or cancer. Schreder notes that “extensive research” has raised concerns that exposure to phthalates may cause reproductive harm. “This is especially relevant for pregnant women because the developing fetus is the most vulnerable to these toxic effects,” says Schreder. The second school of thought, held by organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), takes a more conservative approach, claiming that “human health effects from exposure to low levels of phthalates are not as clear” and that “more research is needed.” “There are limited studies on the effects of phthalates in PVC as it relates to reproductive health,” Miller says. “Animal studies using very high levels of these materials have shown negative effects, so minimizing or avoiding exposure [to phthalates] is reasonable.” Although it may not be possible to completely avoid chemicals like phthalates, you can limit your exposure to them by choosing products that are phthalate-free. It can be tricky to determine if a product is phthalate-free, which is why we’ve done the research for you. You’ll find that most of the birthing balls on our list are either phthalate-free or use 6P-free PVC and are made without bisphenol A (BPA), heavy metals, or latex. Shape There are two different shapes of birthing balls: round and peanut. A round birthing ball can be used during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. If you plan to do prenatal yoga, the BabyGo Birthing Ball is a great prop to add to your routine. The Tumaz Birth Ball is our top pick for labor because it’s made with anti-burst and anti-slip material and comes with a handful of labor and postpartum accessories. What’s more, round birthing balls like the GalSports Pregnancy Ball can also be used during postpartum to help strengthen your pelvic floor. Frequently Asked Questions What size birthing ball do I need? The size of the birthing ball you use depends on your height. If you are less than 5 feet tall, you’ll use an 18-inch ball. If you’re 5 feet to 5 feet, 7 inches tall, you’ll use a 22-inch ball. If you’re you're between 5 feet, 8 inches and 6 feet, 2 inches, you’ll use a 26-inch ball. And if you’re taller than 6-foot-2, you’ll use a 30-inch ball. How do I use a birthing ball? After choosing the correct ball size for your height, you’ll need to inflate the ball. Most manufacturers recommend a 24-hour inflation process, which involves fully inflating the ball and then letting about half of the air out after 24 hours. After this, you can inflate the ball again and it will be ready to use. “Birthing balls are my favorite tool to use during labor,” Story says. “I find that sitting on the ball and leaning forward on the bed is an awesome position. This helps alleviate back labor and also gives your doula or partner access to give massages, back rubs, and double hip squeezes.”When you’re ready to sit on your birthing ball, make sure that your legs are at a 90-degree angle with your feet flat on the floor. You should be able to sit up straight, and your knees should be aligned with your hips. From here, you are ready to use the birthing ball for everything from hip circles to pelvic tilts and wall squats. When should I start using a birthing ball? You can use a birthing ball at any point in your pregnancy as long as your doctor gives you approval to do so. In addition to helping with labor, a birthing ball can alleviate pregnancy-related back pain and is a great tool to help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles in preparation for birth or after delivery. Why Trust Verywell Family Laura Lu is an experienced health writer who has a Master of Science degree in Health Communication. Her work has appeared in publications like The New York Times, Media Psychology, Brit+Co, and Parents.com, to name a few. She’s also a mother of two young children and relied heavily on a birthing ball during pregnancy and her postpartum recovery. The 9 Best Nursing Tanks of 2023 12 Sources Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Yan C-F, Hung Y-C, Gau M-L, Lin K-C. Effects of a stability ball exercise programme on low back pain and daily life interference during pregnancy. Midwifery. 2014;30(4):412-419. doi:10.1016/j.midw.2013.04.011 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. The Journal of Perinatal Education. 2015;24(1):16-24. doi:10.1891/1058-1243.24.1.16 Takeda K, Shimizu K, Imura M. Changes in balance strategy in the third trimester. J Phys Ther Sci. 2015 Jun;27(6):1813-7. doi: 10.1589/jpts.27.1813 American Council on Exercise. Strengthen your abdominals with Stability Balls. ACE Blog. Phthalates. Proposition 65 - Your Right to Know! Yoon JS, Lee JH, Kim JS. The effect of Swiss Ball Stabilization Exercise on pain and bone mineral density of patients with chronic low back pain. Journal of Physical Therapy Science. 2013;25(8):953-956. doi:10.1589/jpts.25.953 Jackson JA, Banerjee-Guénette P, Gregory DE, Callaghan JP. Should we be more on the ball? The efficacy of accommodation training on lumbar spine posture, muscle activity, and perceived discomfort during stability ball sitting. Hum Factors. 2013 Dec;55(6):1064-76. doi: 10.1177/0018720813482326. PMID: 24745199. Einstein Healthcare Network. Helpful Peanut Ball Positions. Andrea D. Lythgoe LCCE. Peanut balls for labor - a valuable tool for promoting progress? Lamaze International. Abd elgawad M, Yassin S, Mohammed N. Comparison between the effect of electromagnetic stimulation chair with or without birth ball on pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. Alexandria Scientific Nursing Journal. 2022;24(3):1-11. doi:10.21608/asalexu.2022.267751 Phthalates factsheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Phthalates: The everywhere chemical. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies