TENS Machine for Pain Relief in Birth

What is TENS?

A TENS machine is a small unit that is commonly used for pain relief during childbirth. It is usually around the size of a pack of cards, and has 2 or 4 adhesive pads connected to it with wires. These pads are attached to your back, either side of the spine.

How does it work?

TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, and works by passing electrical pulses through your skin which disrupt the pain signals from the womb and cervix to the brain. The pulses also stimulate the production of endorphins, the body's natural pain killing hormones.

When to use it

The effects usually build over time, and it's recommended that you should start to use it when you feel the first signs of labour. As labour progresses, the strength of th pulses can be increased, and can be 'boosted' temporarily during contractions.

Pros and cons

Advantages:

• Easy to use
• Fully controllable by you
• No known side effects
• Can be bought or hired

Disadvantages:

• May interfere with electronic monitoring and may need to be removed
• Not effective for some women
• Can not be used in a water delivery

Where to get a TENS machine

TENS machines may be available to hire from your hospital or clinic - ask your midwife for details - but even if they are they may be in limited supply. To guarantee you'll have one available when you need one, they can be bought at reasonable prices online.

Featured Tens Machine

Digital 2-Channel T.E.N.S. Machine ( Dig TENS Machine )
	andmiddot Easy to use with 12 pre-set programs andmiddot 2-channel user defined programs for individual needs andmiddot 4 re-useable treatment pads included andmiddot Last measurement memory andmiddot Auto power off lock for safety andmiddot In use timer with memory andmiddot Measures 63w x 145l x 20d mm andmiddot Uses 4 x AAA batteries sold separately A fully approved and certificated T.E.N.S. machine for pain relief body toning and massage. TENS Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation is the application of low-intensity and short duration pulses for pain relief. It is safe non-invasive and a drug free method of controlling pain. It uses small electrical pulses to stimulate the body to release its own pain relieving substances called endorphins.
£29.99 from Maplin Electronics Ltd - More Info >>>