I love the TENS machine as a comfort measure for birth. I’ve used one for all 4 of my births and have seen many women use them successfully in labour. Most women love them but they don’t suit everyone - and unfortunately no one knows how they’ll feel when they’re in labour. So I recommend giving them a go, having the maximum number of tools at your disposal is a great thing.
This blog explores how and why you might want to use a TENS machine as part of your birth.
WHAT IS A TENS MACHINE?
A TENS machine is a portable electrical unit that connects to 4 sticky pads. For birth, these pads are placed on your back and when they’re in use they provide a tingling sensation that can be adjusted by the user. Maternity TENS units usually also have ‘boost’ button for use during contractions, these change the sensation to work with your labour and can feel amazing! The units can be bought or rented for a relatively low cost which makes them an accessible option.
So, how do they work? There is some disagreement about this, but it could be one or some of the following theories:
It gives the operator a sense of control that comes from being able to adjust the level of the unit and working with the sensations
The tingles interrupt pain signals on their way to your brain, so you do not register as much sensation during your contractions
The tingles stimulate endorphins to be released into your body, a little like light massage does. This hormone is your body’s natural pain relief!
Its a distraction
However they work, I think the key thing is that they DO work and could be a valuable asset on your big day.
PROS & CONS
PROS
They’re relatively low cost to rent or buy
They’re small and portable - units are small enough to hold in one hand and most also come with a lanyard for hanging around your neck and a clip to attach to clothing
You can be completely mobile while using it, so any birthing positions are available to you
They’re drug free, so medicinal side effects are not a concern
Its easy to use! You do not need medical support to use it so it can easily be used before you get to your hospital or birth centre
They’re controllable and adjustable which means that as your labour changes you can adjust the unit to match it. You can also pop them on and off as needed.
There are no known side effects and can be taken off whenever you are finished with using it
Can be used in combination with other comfort measures, both medical and non-medical
They can be used postnatally for ‘after pains’ as your uterus contracts back down
CONS
It needs to be purchased or rented, so will cost some money
You may not like the sensation on the day, although this not a common experience, it can happen. And if you don’t like it then the unit will be useless to you
Since they’re electrical, they cannot be used in water. Many women find water (either the shower or bath) to be very relieving during labour and the TENS needs to be taken on and off to use water.
May interfere with massage or touch. The 4 pads are quite large and cover a good portion of your back, this means that support people need to work around them if they’re massaging you or providing counter pressure.
It may not be suitable for everyone, people with certain existing medical devices or conditions should seek medical advice before using it
TIPS FOR USE
Set the machine up and practice putting it on before the day of your birth - you do not want to be working anything out on the day!
Start using it early - the longer it’s on, the more effective it is (possibly due to the build up of endorphins in your system). Do not wait until you want to use another comfort measure, this is one that should be used before you think you ‘need it’.
Your body adjusts to the sensations so every few hours try turning it up and see how it feels
So - give the TENS machine a try! There are very few down sides and many advantages to using these powerful little machines during your labour, whether that’s just for the early stages or the whole way through.