Birthing balls, also known as pregnancy balls, have become very popular over the years for expectant mothers. They are designed to help reduce both pelvic and back pain during pregnancy as well as encourages baby into the optimal fetal position for labor. Many expecting mamas want to ensure products they use during their pregnancy are safe for them and baby. Rest assured, well go over all you need to know about what birthing balls are made of and how safe they are for you and your little one!
What Material is a Birthing Ball Made From?
What Ingredients Make The Prefect Pregnancy Ball
Is a Birth Ball Made of Rubber?
Many may find this as a surprise, but most birthing balls are not made of rubber. In fact, a majority of pregnancy balls and exercise balls are made from PVC (well get into this later) a flexible form of plastic.
Does a Birthing Ball Contain Latex?
Searching for a pregnancy ball that does not contain latex can be at the top of list for some, as many people are allergic to latex. If you do have a sensitivity to latex, always check with the seller first before purchasing your ball. However, most birthing balls do not contain latex.
Are Birthing Balls BPA Free?
You may be familiar with the term "BPA free” . BPA stands for bisphenol A and is found in containers that food or liquids are stored in such as water bottles. Over the past few years many products have converted to “BPA Free” meaning they do not contain bisphenol A. BPA has been linked to causing health effects on the prostate gland and brain amongst fetuses, infants and children, according to the Mayo Clinic. Eliminating any and all products that contain BPA during (and after) pregnancy is important for you and your babies health. The Birth Ball is BPA Free. Most yoga balls are, but again, checking with the seller first is recommended.
Does a Birth Ball Contain Phthalates?
Phthalates are a family of chemicals used to make PVC more flexible. Studies have shown a link to kidney, liver and reproductive problems linked with some Phthalates. When searching for a pregnancy ball, finding out how many Phthalates are present is super important for you and your baby’s health. The Birth Ball is 16p Free
What Does 16P Free Mean?
PVC can contain Phthalates that can be harmful to humans. Tests are conducted in order to determine which Phthalates are present in a product. Common testings are 3P, 6P, 7P, 15P and 16P. The higher the number (ex: 16P free) the better. This means no Phthalates are present (score)! If you find a pregnancy ball that states 6P free or so on, this means 6 of 16 Phthalates are present.
Is The Birth Ball Safe for Pregnancy?
The answer to this is YES! Using a birthing ball during pregnancy (and labor if you choose) has a wide range of benefits. They are most known to alleviate any back, hip or pelvic pain a mom-to-be is experiencing during her pregnancy, position baby into the optimal birth position, and can even be used postpartum as a workout accessory. When doing research on which ball would work best for you, use the above guidelines and always consult with your doctor first to make sure it is the right choice for your birth plan. We hope this helps!