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.