Aniball Birth Preparation Device

Perineal training with Aniball is designed to help you become familiar with the sensation of vaginal stretching and to practise relaxing your pelvic floor in the final weeks of pregnancy.

The purpose of the exercise is not to achieve a specific balloon size. Balloon measurement is provided for guidance only and does not determine your birth outcome. Training should always feel comfortable and should not cause pain.

As your due date approaches, hormonal changes naturally increase tissue elasticity. Regular, gentle practice can help you:

• Improve awareness of how to consciously relax the pelvic floor
  
• Practise controlled breathing during stretching
  
• Gradually adapt to the sensation of pressure
  
• Build confidence ahead of labour
  

Based on available clinical data, reaching a balloon circumference of around 25 cm (approximately 10 pumps) has been associated with a reduced risk of more significant perineal trauma. However, results vary and this measurement does not guarantee that tearing will not occur.

It is not necessary to increase the balloon size at all costs. You should never exceed 25 cm, as overinflation may cause discomfort or injury.

If you experience pain, bleeding or have any pregnancy complications, stop using the device and consult your midwife or obstetrician.

Aniball is designed to help prepare the perineum for vaginal birth by supporting controlled stretching and improving awareness of pelvic floor relaxation in the final weeks of pregnancy.

Some studies and user experiences suggest that structured perineal training from 36 weeks may help reduce the likelihood or severity of perineal trauma, particularly severe tears. However, no device can guarantee that tearing will not occur. The outcome of birth depends on many factors, including baby’s size and position, maternal tissue elasticity, labour management, and whether assisted delivery is required.

The aim of using Aniball is not to “prevent” tearing outright, but to:

• Improve confidence with the sensation of stretching
  
• Encourage controlled breathing and relaxation
  
• Support gradual preparation of the perineal tissues
  
• Potentially reduce the risk of more significant trauma
  

For best results, it should be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions from 36 weeks of pregnancy, and only if your midwife or obstetrician is happy for you to do so.

If you have a high-risk pregnancy or any concerns, always seek professional advice before starting perineal training.

For Aniball birth preparation, you should begin using the device from 37 weeks. That’s the point at which Aniball exercises are designed to safely support prenatal preparation without overstressing tissues earlier in pregnancy. 

Here’s how the guidance works in practice:

📌 Timing
Start once you’ve passed 36 weeks of pregnancy. 

If you only begin very close to your due date (for example, about 2 weeks before birth), that’s still worthwhile — even a short period of practice can help you get familiar with the breath and positions. 

📌 What to expect
Use Aniball regularly (daily or on most days) from this point to help your body and mind get familiar with pelvic floor relaxation and breathing techniques. 

The goal isn’t to force the birth canal to stretch permanently, but to become comfortable with how it feels and how your pelvic floor responds during labour. 

📌 Important reminders
Always follow the official instructions for use.

Stop or consult your healthcare professional if you have pain, discomfort, bleeding, or any pregnancy complications.  

You can start exercising with Aniball from your 37th week of pregnancy. 15 minutes a day is sufficient, however, feel free to exercise for longer, unless pain or discomfort arise.

You can start exercising with Aniball at the end of your 36th week of pregnancy. 15 minutes a day is sufficient, however, feel free to exercise for longer, unless pain or discomfort arise.

A perineal cut or episiotomy is a surgical incision of the perineum (the area in between the vaginal opening and anus) during childbirth. The point of this procedure is to enlarge the vaginal opening and to prevent spontaneous tearing of the perineum. Unfortunately, this procedure is often linked to a number of unpleasant complications and negative side effects, usually lasting for life. Common negative side effects include pain during urination, limitations to intercourse, necessary perineal plastic surgery, incontinence in older age and other seemingly unrelated (headaches, psychological duress) effects. This is why it is important to avoid damage to the perineum (caused by tears or incisions).

Yes, you can safely continue exercising with the balloon after the mucus plug has gone. It is different after the amniotic fluid has drained (or after performing the Hamilton manoeuvre, for example), when there is already a risk of introducing infection and other complications - therefore, the use of Aniball is strictly contraindicated.