Question 1

Aniball is just a marketing trick. Our grandmothers had no devices at their disposal, they did not prepare and managed to give birth.

Accepted Answer

Can we compare previous generations to today's expectant mothers?
Women give birth at a later age, can accumulate more civilisation diseases, injuries, surgeries, and usually take more medications, including hormonal contraception.
We have less movement, sedentary jobs and a passive way of life or, conversely, excessive inappropriate sports activities lead to problems (not only) of the musculoskeletal system.
We are also negatively affected by inappropriate lifestyle and especially long-term stress.All this affects the pelvic floor – its tension increases, thereby impairing the ability to relax the birth canal, which can significantly complicate the course of childbirth and increase the risk of injury.
Birth injuries should not be accepted as a normal part of giving birth. They leave scars on the body and soul. Let's prevent them with pre-birth preparation, so that even after birth we live fully, actively and joyfully.

Question 2

Is exercising with Aniball natural? Female animals in nature always know how to give birth.

Accepted Answer

To behave intuitively and spontaneously during childbirth is definitely natural.
• The animals in nature quietly resort to seclusion and give birth in peace, safety and intimately. They have the opportunity to listen to their instincts and their intuition.• Women are often deprived of the feeling of intimacy compared to them during childbirth by various disturbing influences in the delivery room (many people, too much light, noise, cold…), which prevent them from relaxing and spontaneous behaviour. All of this triggers a stress response that can complicate childbirth in many ways.• Preparation with Aniball allows women to experience the feelings that accompany childbirth and gradually learn to work with them with the help of the breath in a suitably chosen position in a gentle way. They start trusting their own body, intuition and behave naturally.

Question 3

Aniball is a medical device that stretched the birth paths and perineum.

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, this is one of the most common misunderstandings. The purpose of Aniball is not to stretch the vagina, the birth path, or to stretch the perineum.The goal of the exercise is to learn to consciously relax the birth paths with the help of the breath so that during childbirth we avoid fierce pushing, which often results in injury and can cause a lack of oxygen for the baby in the birth canal.
If the birth canal remains tight, the baby's journey into the world is more difficult.

Question 4

During the exercise Aniball should be gradually inflated to the size which imitates the cirdumference of the newborn head (about 34 cm).

Accepted Answer

The purpose of the exercise is not to reach the largest circumference of the balloon. Aniball is inflatable so it can adapt to every woman's anatomy.Performance and size are not important – the most important thing is to listen to your body. Aniball should only inflate so far, that it causes a feeling of slight tension, not pain. It is strongly recommended not to cross the circumference of 25 cm.
Focus on the gradual relaxation of the pelvic floor with the help of the breath. Do not force the balloon out and do not overinflate Aniball.

Question 5

Aniball overstretches the pelvic floor muscles, disrupting their integrity and weakening them.

Accepted Answer

The balloon is not intended for muscle expansion and should not be used in this way – always follow the instructions in the manual and listen to your own body. If we overwork and stretch our muscles too much during daily exercise with the balloon, it will not help us with childbirth.Everything has its time – the birth canal is ready to pass the baby only during the birth itself thanks to a unique cocktail of hormones and contractions.

Question 6

Aniball causes incontinence.

Accepted Answer

Every third mother experiences a weakening of the pelvic floor and stress incontinence after childbirth. It is mostly caused by injuries that occur during birth, but gravity and hormones during pregnancy play major roles too. If incontinence does not disappear within six months after birth, we should actively address it.
Aniball does not cause stress incontinence. On the contrary, it helps us to keep fit from six weeks after delivery onwards.
Regular training including activation and relaxation of pelvic floor muscles significantly reduces the risk of incontinence issues. According to a study by Ruiz de Viñaspre, insufficient pelvic floor muscle training during the postpartum period is one of the most significant factors causing incontinence.

Question 7

Exercising with Aniball can lead to permanent damage of the vaginal walls.

Accepted Answer

Proper use of Aniball is safe for both mother and child. 
The goal of the balloon exercise is not the expansion of the vaginal walls. Adverse reactions have not yet been reported from gynaecologists, midwives or physiotherapists.

Question 8

Aniball is not proven, data is missing.

Accepted Answer

Aniball is a medical device tested in perinatological research which investigates the effect of pelvic floor exercise with a vaginal balloon in Czech women.

Its positive effect was also addressed in connection with the prevention of episiotomy (a cut of the perineum)during childbirth. The growing popularity of Aniball in the gynaecological-obstetric, urogynaecology, physiotherapeutic and female communities confirms that it significantly reduces the risk of medical intervention, perineum tears and their consequences.

Question 9

Every mum-to-be should prepare with Aniball because it guarantees a trouble-free birth.

Accepted Answer

Aniball is not a miracle that guarantees childbirth without complications and medical interventions. It helps you to understand your body and trust yourself, but Aniball won't do all the hard work. Performance-oriented women who misunderstand its purpose or women who lean towards contraindications should not use it.
Some births are performed without surgery, but this is not the rule and it depends on several factors – including the mother’s age, the number of previous births, the weight of the child, etc.
Aniball is designed for active women who want to prevent the risk. Appropriate preparation significantly increases the chance of childbirth without injury, as confirmed by the studies mentioned in this article.

Question 10

When it comes to breathing during childbirth, is it not exactly the opposite of breathing during exercise with Aniball?

Accepted Answer

During childbirth, a hormonal cocktail is released and our body is supported by contractions, which we don't experience during weeks of preparation with Aniball. But the important thing is that in terms of breath, preparation and childbirth itself do not differ.
The diaphragm and pelvic floor are like Siamese twins – with the inhale they both relax. When we breathe calmly, deep into the abdomen, we naturally breathe the baby into the world without controlled pushing.
Learning how it works can take us a while. And that’s exactly what Aniball helps us with – it teaches us that the relaxation of the pelvic floor comes with an inhale, just when the balloon has tendencies to slip out. The principle works the same during childbirth.

Question 11

How often should I exercise with Aniball? When to start?

Accepted Answer

You can start exercising no earlier than after the 36th week of pregnancy, about 15 minutes a day. However, you can exercise even longer, the only limitation is discomfort or soreness during exercise.

Question 12

What result should be achieved by the exercise?

Accepted Answer

The achieved balloon size is not important. It is not about performance! Aniball is not a dilating tool. The goal of the exercise is not to achieve a specific perimeter, so always exercise only up to your comfortable maximum. Training with Aniball must not hurt!It is not desirable to increase the size of the ball at any cost. It is perfectly fine if you achieve the same result over the course of several days. As the due date approaches, the perineum gradually relaxes due to increased hormonal activity. Clinical data suggest that a balloon circumference of 25 cm (approximately 10 squeezes) is sufficient to effectively prevent perineal injury. We recommend not to exceed this circumference to avoid injury!

Question 13

Can I start exercising just 14 days before giving birth?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it’s enough to exercise with the balloon a few times. Preparation is not about performance; it’s not about quantity, but quality – understanding how to relax with breathing and the right position.

Question 14

Can the balloon burst during exercise?

Accepted Answer

Aniball has been properly tested according to European Directive 93/42/EEC on medical devices. However, if the instructions for use are not followed, especially regarding the use of oils or unsuitable lubricants, the silicone may degrade.

Question 15

Can exercising with Aniball cause premature labour?

Accepted Answer

Exercise with a balloon does not induce labor, the mechanisms of labor induction are different.

Question 16

Can Aniball cause amniotic fluid to leak during exercise?

Accepted Answer

Amniotic fluid leakage can occur at virtually any time and for a variety of reasons (e.g. infection). Balloon exercise does not cause amniotic fluid leakage.

Question 17

Does training with Aniball cause permanent vaginal stretching?

Accepted Answer

No. This misinformation often leads to the abandonment of the exercise. The vagina is made up of elastic tissue, it cannot be "pulled out". Aniball is not a dilator. The purpose of the exercise is not to affect the vagina, but the pelvic floor muscles in the prevention of their injury during childbirth. What has a long term effect on the pelvic floor muscles besides genetic factors is the physique and physical condition of the woman, the method of delivery, the size of the fetus, and much more than the short term use of these aids. If a woman follows the instructions given in the manual and exercises with respect for her own body, the use of a balloon can in turn help her prevent pelvic floor integrity and perineal injury.

Question 18

I am struggling to encrease the diameter of the balloon. Does that mean I won't be able to reach a larger diameter?

Accepted Answer

Be patient. It is not advisable to increase the size of the balloon at any cost. We know from clinical data that achieving a balloon circumference of 25 cm (about 10 squeezes) is sufficient to effectively prevent birth injury to the perineum. We recommend not to exceed this circumference to avoid injury!

Question 19

Blood appeared during exersice, should I stop?

Accepted Answer

Yes, definitely, bleeding is a contraindication to using the balloon! Bleeding can have various causes. By the time one starts using Aniball, the cervix is already slowly maturing, softening and preparing for birth. At this time, it is very vascularised and fragile, a light touch is all it takes and a slight bleeding or spotting may occur. If this appears after exercising with Aniball (as well as after a medical examination) and if the spotting stops immediately after exercising, the use of Aniball can be continued carefully the next day. If the lack of compliance with the instructions of the manual and careless handling of the balloon leads to minor injuries to the birth canal, we recommend to completely interrupt the training for at least 4-5 days and then proceed carefully (exactly according to the instructions of the manual) and above all respect the limits of your body!

Question 20

Is urine leakge possible during exercise?

Accepted Answer

There may be slight urine leakage due to the pressure of the balloon on a full bladder. This is a minimal amount and does not prevent further exercise with Aniball. After completing the exercise, there should be no more urine leakage.

Question 21

Can I continue exercising when with Aniball if I test positive for Streptococcus?

Accepted Answer

In this case, there is no restriction related to exercise. Streptococcus does not cause any problems for the woman; it can only be dangerous for the baby. For this reason, antibiotics are given preventively during labor, but the presence of Streptococcus during pregnancy is not a contraindication for exercise.However, it is different with yeast infections. If the yeast infection is in the acute stage and the woman is experiencing discharge and treating the infection with suppositories, we recommend waiting with the exercise. If the vulva is red, itchy, burning, and the vaginal wall is fragile and prone to cracks and bleeding, it is better to stop exercising during the use of suppositories.

Question 22

Can I use Aniball if I might have yeast infection?

Accepted Answer

We do not recommend exercising during the treatment of an infection. The vaginal walls are fragile, the mucous membrane at the entrance is red, painful, and often cracks. In acute stages, even perineal massage is not recommended.

Question 23

Is it safe to use Aniball if I have varicose veins on my genitals?

Accepted Answer

If you have varicose veins on your genitals, it is particularly important to avoid cutting during labor. If you don't have contraindications for a vaginal birth, and the baby's head can be born even with varicose veins, you can use the balloon – but your specific condition should always be assessed. We recommend a cautious approach, plenty of lubricant, and a slow and careful removal of the balloon.

Question 24

Do you recommend exercising with Aniball during high-risk pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

If your doctor has diagnosed a high-risk pregnancy (short cervix, baby very low, etc.), we recommend consulting with your doctor first.

Question 25

Can I prepare with Aniball if my first delivery was a ceasaren section?

Accepted Answer

Yes, thanks to Aniball, a natural birth after a cesarean section is possible. If you are a healthy woman and there are no other obstacles to a natural birth, you can exercise with Aniball.

Question 26

What is an episiotomy, and what are the consequences?

Accepted Answer

An episiotomy is a surgical procedure in the perineum (the area between the vagina and anus) performed only during the second stage of labor. Its purpose is to enlarge the vaginal opening and protect the woman from spontaneous perineal tearing. Unfortunately, it is associated with several unpleasant complications and negative long-term effects. These often include poor healing, pain during defecation, limited sexual life, the need for perineal plastic surgery, incontinence later in life, and other seemingly unrelated issues such as headaches or psychological problems. Therefore, it is important to prevent perineal injuries (both cuts and tears)!

Question 27

Is an episiotomy really neccessary?

Accepted Answer

There are cases where an episiotomy is unfortunately unavoidable. However, in most births with applied local massage and controlled pushing, the vaginal tissue stretches without problems due to hormones. If a spontaneous tear does occur, the wound is usually smaller, less painful than a surgical cut through all the layers, and typically requires fewer stitches than an episiotomy. Additionally, natural tearing carries a lower risk of infection and complications compared to an episiotomy. Aniball can help women prepare for childbirth without the need for a perineal cut.

Question 28

How doeas Aniball help after childbirth, and can it help with urinary incontinence?

Accepted Answer

Using the device after the postpartum period helps restore proper pelvic floor function, reducing urine leakage after childbirth and preventing stress urinary incontinence later on.

Question 29

Can the same Aniball be used in subsequent pregnancy and what is its lifespan?

Accepted Answer

The warranty period for Aniball is standardly 24 months. If all the conditions for use and storage are followed, the properties of the silicone rubber remain unchanged for at least 5 years. However, it should be noted that frequent use may lead to increased wear and thus shorten its lifespan. Therefore, we do not recommend using a balloon that has already been used by another person, and we offer the option to purchase a replacement silicone balloon at a significantly lower price. The quality of the silicone is also affected by the use of oils – it is essential to use water-based lubricants that do not contain oils during exercise.

Question 30

Where is Aniball manufactured?

Accepted Answer

We are proud that Aniball is a completely European and Czech product. The silicone balloon is a Czech product, and the material is supplied by a German manufacturer. It is made from high-quality silicone approved for medical use. All other parts are manufactured in the EU, and the product is assembled and inspected in the Czech Republic.

Question 31

How does using this device relate to the risk of infection

Accepted Answer

If all the safety instructions are followed, including thorough cleaning and regular disinfection, the risk of infection is virtually eliminated.

Question 32

When is Aniball not recommended for use?

Accepted Answer

Contraindications: Do not use Aniball in case of a high-risk pregnancy, the threat of premature labor, any vaginal bleeding, the presence of condylomas or other infectious pathologies in the vagina or at the vaginal entrance, vaginal inflammation, genital herpes, vaginal injury, bladder inflammation, uterine prolapse, precancerous conditions, or cancerous pathologies of the cervix, vagina, or external genitalia, during the postpartum period, or in the first 6 weeks after gynecological surgery. Any problems encountered during exercise should be consulted with your midwife or doctor.

Question 33

When should I exercise with extra caution?

Accepted Answer

Special caution and exercise after consulting a doctor are required in the case of varicose veins in the vagina and external genitalia, low-lying placenta (confirmed by your doctor), reduced sensitivity of the vagina and external genitalia (neurological diseases, use of painkillers, alcohol or drug abuse), after treated vaginal infections (temporary vaginal fragility persists), after vaginal surgery (scars may limit the flexibility of the vagina), with lichen sclerosus of the external genitalia (chronic skin disease), or in the case of cancer in the pelvic area. Any problem encountered during exercise should be discussed with your midwife or doctor.

Question 34

Is is appropriate to use Aniball during the third pregnancy? I've heard it's not longer neccessary.

Accepted Answer

It depends primarily on how the previous two births went. Aniball is designed to teach women how to consciously relax using proper breathing, find the most suitable birth position, and become familiar with the feeling of pressure that triggers the urge to push, thus promoting intuitive behavior, which is crucial for a birth without injury. Whether you already "know how" is something only you can assess.In any case, it’s great to use Aniball or Aniball Inco after the postpartum period as part of pelvic floor rehabilitation and prevention of incontinence or other dysfunctions that may arise after multiple pregnancies and births.

Question 35

Is it worth using Aniball if I was injured (episiotomy or tear) during a previous birth? Will I automatically tear again?

Accepted Answer

It’s not automatic that you will tear during the second birth. The area that tore during the previous birth heals with a different type of tissue, which is stronger but less flexible and elastic. Using Aniball is very beneficial and recommended by experts to improve the quality of the traumatized tissue. We have had positive experiences from women, even after multiple births, who used Aniball during their third birth and were finally not injured or cut.We recommend following the manual carefully, being sensitive and respectful of your body, not inflating the balloon too much, but practicing conscious relaxation and "breathing it out." Experiment with the most effective pushing position, which is the best way to prevent birth injuries.

Question 36

Can I use the standard Aniball for stress incontinence after childbirth?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is possible, and detailed instructions can be found in the second part of the manual.

Question 37

When can I start using Aniball after childbirth to restore proper pelvic floor function and prevent incontinence?

Accepted Answer

You can start rehabilitating the pelvic floor with Aniball no earlier than after the postpartum period and after complete healing of any birth injuries (if any occurred). Proceed carefully and be mindful of your body's sensations. Using the balloon should not be uncomfortable or painful. Don’t force anything.

Question 38

How do I properly handle the pump valve?

Accepted Answer

Turn the valve wheel gently with two fingers. Stop turning immediately if there is resistance. Do not over-tighten, as the valve is sensitive and seals properly..

Question 39

How should I breath properly during exercise and is it different during actual childbirth compared to the instructions in the manual?

Accepted Answer

Childbirth is a unique and complex event, where the body is additionally supported by hormones and contractions. However, the breathing technique is the same as practiced with Aniball. Aniball helps women familiarize themselves with the sensation of pressure caused by the baby’s head during labor, which triggers the urge to push. Women should respond to this pressure with calm, deep breathing, which allows the pelvic floor to relax, making the baby’s smooth passage easier.With deep abdominal breathing, the diaphragm relaxes with the inhalation, and so does the pelvic floor. The balloon placed in the vagina tends to slip out. Conversely, the pelvic floor tightens (activates) with the exhale. In this way, you gradually learn, along with the chosen birthing position, to "release" the balloon (or baby during labor) with the inhalation and breathe them out into the world without forced pushing, breath-holding, and tightening of the abdomen and sphincters, which is referred to as "controlled pushing." Controlled pushing is highly unsuitable because it often leads to significant injuries and puts the baby at risk of oxygen deprivation.

Question 40

I've been using the balloon for five days, but I still have difficulty inserting it, and at larger sizes, I can't "push it out". What am I doing wrong?

Accepted Answer

This is entirely normal. In the first few days, it’s harder to insert and expel the balloon. Please be kind to your body and don’t push past the pain threshold. Everything has its right time, and the exercises should align with the gradual release of hormones that loosen the birth canal as the due date approaches. In the first few days of use, focus on getting acquainted with the feeling of pressure caused by the balloon and understanding how the pelvic floor works with the breath. Insert the balloon and inflate it only to the point of slight tension, and it should not cause pain! With the balloon inflated to a comfortable level, take about 10 deep breaths down to your abdomen. You should gradually notice how the balloon behaves with your breathing – with each inhalation, it tends to move outward slightly, and with each exhalation, it moves back in. You will use this technique during labor to "breathe" the baby into the world without forced pushing. There’s no need to increase the size of the balloon every day at all costs; always go by how you feel. In the first few days, you don’t even have to try pushing the balloon out if it’s difficult. Deflate it and gently remove it instead. Allow time for the birth canal to relax...and soon, pushing it out will be easy with just your breath. Be assured that the balloon size you achieve doesn’t matter at all! During labor, the tissues stretch due to a unique hormone cocktail and contractions. For now, practice with a smaller balloon and don’t stress about the size you reach.

Question 41

Can I use Aniball after the mucus plug has been released?

Accepted Answer

Yes, after the release of the mucus plug, it’s safe to continue exercising with the balloon. It’s different after the amniotic fluid breaks (or, for example, after a Hamilton maneuver), where there is a risk of infection and other complications, so using Aniball is strictly contraindicated at that point.