Round Weights for Labor

What is a round weight?

A round weight is a small weighted ball used for body toning and conditioning. It is not a medicine ball, but rather a hand held weight. It is made from soft, pliable plastic and filled with a substance that mushes like sand. They can be found in various sizes ranging from 1 pound to about 8 pounds.

What does a round weight do?

Round weights provide additional pressure for a counter pressure massage during back labor.

How do I use a round weight?

Place the weight where the mother wants pressure. Push on the weight to increase pressure.

By rolling the weight with the palm of your hand you can change the sensation of the pressure massage. This can be useful on the back or thighs. The ball can be rolled along an arm or leg to provide a pressure massage. Adjust the pressure of the massage by adjusting how hard you push on the weight.

Some sample round weight techniques:

Have the mother lean against a wall; place the round weight at her lower back where she would like pressure. Let the mother move to provide the amount and type of pressure she would like.

Have the mother get in a hands and knees position. Use the round weight (or two) to provide pressure on her lower back.

Roll the round weight up and down the mother's lower back.

What would you like next?

Read some Sample Birth Plans and get information to help put your birth plan together.

Learn how exercise in pregnancy can shorten your labor.

Learn ways to handle Childbirth Challenges.

Discover the secrets of being emotionally prepared for labor.

Find easy meal ideas.