What is a Peanut Ball and how can you use it during Labour & Delivery

By Beth Safarian, PT

A peanut ball is an exercise ball that is shaped like a peanut. They are available in different sizes so you can find the right one for you. The most commonly used sizes are 45 cm or 55 cm. This measurement is the width of the widest part of the ball. This ball is an excellent tool for positioning during labour and delivery. It can support you in different positions to optimize space in the pelvis, and therefore allow baby to move through the pelvis easier. It is particularly helpful for people who get an epidural because it is primarily used while laying down. In comparison, a birth ball is typically used with upright positions, and is therefore not usually an option with an epidural.

How to Use a Peanut Ball During Labour

There are many positions to explore, and I’ll start with the options for early labour then progress to positions during delivery.

To open the top of the pelvis, you can get into a deep squat position and straddle the peanut ball. With the hips externally rotated and pelvis tucked, this position is ideal to spend time in when preparing for labour and when in early labour.

One of the challenges with labour can be a lack of movement and not enough changes of position. Particularly, asymmetrical positioning is important because it helps create more space in the mid-pelvis. Examples include: lunge stretch, side lunges, stairs, swaying, lateral rocking on birth ball. As you can imagine, these movements are not possible for everyone whether it’s because of complications, preference or an epidural. This is where the peanut ball becomes helpful.

For example, in a semi-reclined position, you can place the ball under one knee and have the other leg off to the side. This helps create a squat-like position to help promote decent of baby, but it is also asymmetrical so it increases space in the middle of the pelvis.

The next option is in side-lying and this has many variations depending on the person’s comfort. You can place your top leg on top of the ball so that your knee and ankle are both resting on top of the ball. You can rest here, or roll your leg forward and backward on the ball. You can also try hooking your knee around the narrow part of the ball and resting your foot on the bed. Lastly, if being in quadruped/4-point is comfortable (it can be a good position of relief with back labour), you can rest your hands or elbows on the peanut ball for support.

How to use a Peanut Ball for Delivery

When if comes to pushing, one of the positions with the lowest incidence of perineal tearing is sidelying. The peanut ball can be placed between your feet/shins for support. This allows your hips to be slightly internally rotated which creates more space for the pelvic outlet. As discussed above, the peanut ball can be used in quadruped/4-point. This position can be used for pain relief, but can also be a great option for pushing. Again, this position allows internal rotation of the hips which is ideal for pushing because it creates more space between the ischial tuberosities (AKA. The pelvic outlet). Your pelvic physiotherapist can take you through different positions and help you find the best options for you.

References

http://birthwellbirthright.com/peanut-ball-every-birthing-suite-one/

https://www.spinningbabies.com/pregnancy-birth/techniques/other-techniques/open-the-outlet/