The birth ball permits you to be in a gravity enhancing position while being supported you and allowing you to move.  You can sway or bounce or rock on the ball and not get as tired as you would if you were standing. The gravity enhancing position helps the baby move deeper into the pelvis and likely shortens the length of labor.

Women often comment that they notice a relief of pressure on their lower back when sitting on the ball. When you move on the ball, the receptors in your joints send messages about movement to your brain. These messages reach the brain before the pain message from the contractions, so many women say that they feel less pain while moving on the ball. This rhythmic movement on the ball can be very comforting during a contraction.

The toilet is an excellent place to labor. The position is gravity enhancing and it allows for a woman to empty her bowels or bladder. It also helps that you will have to change your position by walking to get there. Gravity, pelvic relief, and movement - what a great combination for a progressing labour.