While there’s currently no evidence that suggests bouncing on a ball will induce labor, it can still be a helpful tool to use both in the later stages of pregnancy and during active labor. Performing pelvic tilts, circles, or figure eights while sitting on the ball or leaning on the ball in a hands-and-knees position can be helpful in reducing back, pelvic, and hip pain as well as pelvic pressure in pregnancy. 

Once in labor, using a birthing ball can help with cervical dilation and fetal descent¹ , which can shorten the stages of labor. It can also help decrease pain intensity, fatigue, and anxiety²  as well as reduce the risk of emergency C-section. 

These effects seem to increase when making specific movements based on where the baby is positioned in your pelvis. For example, movements that help open the top of the pelvis can get the baby to drop, while movements that open the pelvic outlet can help when it’s time to push. Having a supportive birth team on your side who is knowledgeable in pelvic biomechanics can be invaluable.