Pregnancy is a special time, so choosing the best balance ball for pregnancy is a very important decision that can have a big impact on strength, overall well-being, and comfort. These exercise balls, also known as stability balls, are a versatile tool that can help women stay active while carrying their baby. But they’re much more than that. Balance balls also help to prepare the body for birth and can alleviate common pregnancy discomforts in places like the lower back and knees.
Choosing the right balance ball for pregnancy can be overwhelming with all of the materials, sizes, and features that are available. Keep reading to learn how to choose the best balance ball for pregnancy and which ones are the most popular among consumers.
Table of Contents
Global market value of balance balls
Best balance balls for pregnancy
Conclusion
Global market value of balance balls
Fitness balls are primarily used for developing physical strength, improving balance, helping with pain relief, and toning muscles. They’re versatile tools that are regularly seen in settings such as gyms, rehabilitation centers, homes, and work environments. With more consumers taking an active interest in their overall wellbeing, fitness accessories such as balance balls are only growing in popularity.
By 2023, the global market value of fitness balls reached over USD 315.5 million. That number is expected to climb to at least USD 495.5 million by 2028, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.0% during that period. Balance balls that are used for pregnancy are in equally high demand as those used for regular workouts due to their versatility and practical use during the different stages of pregnancy.
Best balance balls for pregnancy
Choosing the best pregnancy ball comes down to comfort, flexibility, and the specific benefits that each type of ball offers the user. They can be valuable tools for improving posture, maintaining upper body fitness, and relieving lower back pain during pregnancy, but deciding which one to purchase can be a big task.
According to Google Ads, “balance ball for pregnancy” has an average monthly search volume of 33,100. From this number, Google Ads reveals that the most searches appear in February, accounting for 10% of the total annual searches. More than 60% of the remaining searches occur between March and November. This shows that balance balls for pregnancy are in very high demand throughout the year.
When looking at the different types of balance balls that are popular among pregnant women, Google Ads shows that “exercise ball” is the most searched for, with 74,000 monthly searches. This is followed by “peanut ball” and “birthing ball,” which both receive 22,200 searches per month. Keep reading to find out more about the key features of each of these balance balls for pregnancy.
Exercise balls
One of the most popular balance balls for pregnancy is the standard exercise ball. This ball is made from anti-burst PVC material, making it very durable and safe to use. The thick construction of the ball means that it can support significant weight without bursting, which is a major concern for pregnant users.
The standard exercise ball comes in various sizes that range from 55 cm to 75 cm in diameter. This variation allows expectant mothers to choose the right ball for their height. Users also like that the firmness of the ball can easily be adjusted to create a tailored experience that’s essential for overall comfort.
In terms of exercises, the standard exercise ball is ideal for core strengthening routines, pelvic floor exercises, and relieving back pain. By sitting on the ball, users are also able to promote proper spinal alignment in order to alleviate recurring pregnancy discomforts.
During pregnancy, women are often encouraged to do gentle exercises and stretches to help them maintain their flexibility and to prepare their body for labor, which is something the exercise ball can assist with.
The non-slip surface of the ball ensures stability during use, making it a safe and effective tool for maintaining an active lifestyle throughout pregnancy. Following the pregnancy, the ball can be useful for postpartum recovery by offering support for exercises that can help women to regain strength and improve their posture. Overall, the standard exercise ball is a great balance ball for pregnancy and is very cost-effective too.
Peanut balls
Peanut balls are designed to provide greater support and stability than standard exercise balls, making them very popular for use during pregnancy. These balance balls are made from anti-burst PVC materials, so they can support the weight of an expectant mother. They have a peanut-like shape with a narrow middle and wider ends, which gives the user more targeted support and a variety of positions to use. This is ideal for women who need additional stability or those who aren’t used to standard exercise balls.
When looking at the best balance ball for pregnancy, peanut balls are highly sought after for use in labor preparation and for providing comfort. Their shape enables them to help open the pelvis which can encourage optimal fetal positioning. But these balance balls can also be used for relaxation techniques as well as gentle stretching exercises, making them very versatile.
During labor itself, peanut balls can provide support in different positions in order to ease contractions and facilitate a smooth delivery. There are a lot of ways in which peanut balls can be utilized, but this all depends on the needs of the mother and the level of support she requires. Peanut balls are unique tools that are popular for enhancing both the pregnancy and the birthing experience.
Birthing balls
Finally, the third most sought-after balance ball for pregnancy is the birthing ball. This type of stability ball is very similar in design and style to the standard exercise ball, with a few differing features. This ball is specifically designed to support pregnant women during both pregnancy and labor, so they’re incredibly durable. As the weight of the expectant mother changes throughout the course of the pregnancy, having a stability ball that can withstand additional pressure is very important.
On average, the size of the ball should measure between 65 cm and 75 cm in diameter. They’re designed to accommodate the unique needs of expectant mothers and provide comfort and stability during exercises and relaxation techniques.
Birthing balls are known to alleviate low back pain and help with pelvic discomfort. They can also relieve pressure around the spine and hips. As well as being used for gentle exercises, birthing balls are great tools for practicing labor positions. The anti-burst technology means that people can use them without worrying about the support and can focus solely on their movements.
In some cases, during delivery, women find that the birthing ball allows them to maintain good posture and shorten labor time. Even beyond pregnancy, birthing balls can be an effective tool for postpartum exercises, helping new mothers to regain their strength and flexibility.
Conclusion
Choosing the best balance ball for pregnancy comes with a number of considerations and is particularly dependent on the personal needs of the expectant mother. There are many different ways to use these stability balls, but the most important thing is that the mother feels safe and comfortable while using the one that they’ve selected.
