If you don't have a fitball, get one! They are amazing. I got one a couple of weeks ago, b/c I had heard they were really good for back pain. I thought it was a long shot. I had used fitballs to excercise before at the gym, but never as just furniture. Just sitting on a fitball instead of in a chair increases your core and leg muscles, which makes birth easier. It improves your posture which decreases back pain. Lately, b/c of the preterm labor, my cervix has been killing me. I had no idea that my savior was going to be that silly fitball. It's the only thing that eases the discomfort. My birthing instructor even suggested using it during labor to help ease back labor.