WHAT IS A TENS MACHINE?
TENS has been used safely for many years as a comfort measure in labour.
TENS stands for transcutaneous (skin) electrical nerve stimulation.
A TENS machine is a small portable battery-operated unit that connects to 2 to 4 sticky pads that are positioned on your lower back. You will feel a tingling or prickling sensation.
Many women use them successfully in labour.
Most women love them, but they don’t suit everyone.
TENS IS GREAT BECAUSE
It’s a non-drug, non-invasive comfort option.
You can use it with other techniques; mobility, positioning, relaxation, and massage.
You are in control of the device, which you adjust as your labour sensations change.
Maternity TENS units usually also have ‘boost’ button for use during surges, these change the sensation to work with your labour.
The tingling sensations of the TENS interrupt discomfort signals to your brain, altering your perception of the intensity of your contractions. These sensations also stimulate your brain to secrete pain relieving hormones called endorphins to circulate throughout your body. These endorphins help you to relax and manage your labour pain.
TENS DOWNSIDE
You can’t use it in the shower.
But you can use it in the bath, just relocate the pads to your shoulders for a similar effect.
WHAT YOU WILL PRACTICE YOU WILL DO
Labour is no time to be learning new skills - that goes for any potential comfort measure-practice the skill before you need it. Having the maximum number of tools and strategies at your disposal is wise. I suggest trying one in pregnancy so that you get used to applying the pads and using the device before you’re labouring. Get your partner to practice and try it too.
TIPS FOR USE
Use it before you think you need it, early in your labour.
Ask your support people to remind you to try it.
It often gets forgotten in the excitement of early labour.
It seems the longer it’s on, the more effective it is possibly due to the way those fabulous endorphins work in your system.
Use it in conjunction with any other comfort measures you find helpful.
Your body adjusts to the sensations so every few hours try turning it up and see how it feels.
GIVE IT A TRY!