What is a TENS machine?

A TENS machine, which stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, is a device that can be used as an alternative for medication; to effectively treat pain in the body. TENS are used worldwide for muscular pain, back pain, period pain and in recent years they are becoming increasingly popular for women to use in the early stages of labour and for some, right up until their baby is born.

Women are more frequently opting to use TENS in labour for it’s effectiveness at providing non-invasive, drug-free pain relief; with zero side effects reported to mum or baby. TENS machines give women empowerment and a huge sense of self-control, to work with their body and their birth.  “I found it so grounding to have a little bit of control with the TENS to manage the pain”- C. Chew MAMA&ICO. customer.

Labour TENS machines have been designed for easy use during labour; they are portable, lightweight and battery operated giving you the flexibility to use it anywhere. The top of the range devices (the Elle TENS that we hire out at MAMA&ICO.) have a screen that shows you the settings and controls for adjusting the intensity and various parameters.

Connected to the TENS machine itself, are lead wires that join to four electrode pads that adhere to your skin on your back via a high quality sticking gel which emit electrical impulses to reduce contraction pains.

The impulses feel like a tingling sensation that is similar to pins and needles, which reduce the bodies pain signals via the Gate Control Theory. You can read more on the Gate Control Theory and TENS here.

TENS also have the ability to also stimulate the production of endorphins, which are our body's natural painkillers!

WHAT IS TENS USED FOR?

TENS is becoming widely popular amongst birthing women, with ‘1 in 5 women using a TENS device during their labour’.

Many women choose TENS for their birth as it gives women another option of relief, particularly when labouring at home, and for the car ride to hospital.

HOW TO USE TENS

Always follow the specific instructions included with your TENS hire or purchase. TENS machines are small and lightweight, so you can use them while you're on the move. You can put it in your pocket, clip it to your belt, attach it to a lanyard or hold it in your hand. You can use TENS throughout the day for as long as you like, although it shouldn't be used while you're driving, or in the bath or shower.

USING TENS DURING PREGNANCY

TENS machines have been proven to be effective at reducing lower back and pelvic girdle pains experienced during pregnancy.

If you have approval by your midwife or Doctor (or allied health professional) you can use your TENS machine for these pains prior to 37 weeks gestation.

USING TENS PRIOR TO LABOUR

We advise that you test your TENS machine from 37 weeks gestation to ensure the machine is functioning correctly, and that you familiarise yourself with how to use the device.

You can practice using this on yourself, your birth partner or a friend. It is fine to use the electrodes that are supplied in your pack and then reuse these for labour, as they can be reused up to 20-30 times!

USING TENS IN LABOUR

You can use TENS from the very beginning of your labour, when you’re getting regular contractions or backache. It is believed that the longer the device is insitu, the more effective it will be at reducing pain and creating endorphins.

TENS is most likely to be effective in early labour though you may still need other forms of pain relief as your labour progresses. TENS therapy can be stopped at any time during your labour, and does not have any residual effects. For example, you could stop it if you wanted to get into the bath or remove the electrodes to have a back massage. You can then place your electrodes and TENS back on.

USING TENS IN THE POSTPARTUM PERIOD

Some mums experience horrible after birth pains, so reuse your birth electrodes and place your pads over your uterus.

Having a TENS machine on hand during your labour gives you choices and control during your labour. Consider putting a Labour TENS device in your pre-birthing kit.