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TENS Machine for Labour Pain
A PORTABLE, DRUG-FREE OPTION FOR MANAGING LABOUR PAIN
Labour is different for every woman, and having a range of pain-management options available can help you prepare for birth.
A TENS machine (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) provides a portable, drug-free option that can be used during labour. Small electrical impulses are delivered through electrode pads placed on the lower back, stimulating the nerves and helping some women manage the pain of contractions.
TENS can be particularly useful during the earlier stages of labour and allows you to remain mobile while using it.
TENS FOR LABOUR PAIN
TENS delivers small electrical impulses through electrode pads placed on your back.
During labour, these impulses may help reduce the perception of pain and provide a distracting or tingling sensation that can make contractions easier to manage for some women.
You remain in control of the intensity and can adjust the stimulation as labour progresses.
TENS is drug-free, non-invasive and can be used alongside other pain-management techniques if required.
FEATURES
Simple controls make it easy to adjust the intensity as your contractions and comfort levels change.
Increase or decrease the electrical stimulation to find a comfortable level that suits you.
Compact and lightweight, allowing you to remain mobile while using TENS during labour.
TENS provides a non-medication option for managing labour pain.
Your TENS machine can continue to be used after pregnancy for other appropriate pain-management applications.
Our MediHighTec TENS machines are backed by a 3-year warranty.
BENEFITS OF USING A TENS MACHINE DURING LABOUR
Drug-Free Pain Management
TENS provides a non-medication option that may help you manage the discomfort and pain associated with contractions.
TENS provides a non-medication option that may help you manage the discomfort and pain associated with contractions.
You Stay in Control
You control the intensity of the stimulation and can adjust it as labour progresses.
You control the intensity of the stimulation and can adjust it as labour progresses.
Remain Mobile
A portable TENS machine allows you to move around and change positions while using it.
A portable TENS machine allows you to move around and change positions while using it.
Can Be Used Alongside Other Options
Using TENS does not prevent you from considering other pain-relief options later in labour if you need them.
Using TENS does not prevent you from considering other pain-relief options later in labour if you need them.
WHEN SHOULD I START USING TENS DURING LABOUR?
TENS is generally most useful when started during the early stages of labour.
Starting early gives you time to become comfortable with the sensation and gradually adjust the intensity as contractions become stronger.
It is worth becoming familiar with your TENS machine before labour begins so you know how to operate it, adjust the intensity and position the electrode pads.
Discuss your plans for using TENS with your midwife, doctor or other maternity healthcare professional as part of preparing for labour.
TENS PAD PLACEMENT FOR LABOUR
For labour pain, TENS electrode pads are generally positioned on the lower back rather than on the abdomen.
Four electrode pads are commonly used, with one pair positioned higher on the lower back and another pair positioned lower towards the sacral area.
This allows electrical stimulation to be applied across the areas commonly associated with labour pain.
Your midwife or healthcare professional can help you with appropriate electrode placement.
USING TENS AS LABOUR PROGRESSES
As contractions become stronger, you can gradually increase the intensity of your TENS machine to maintain a strong but comfortable tingling sensation.
Some women find TENS particularly useful during early labour, while others continue using it for longer.
Everyone experiences labour differently, so TENS may provide useful pain relief for some women but less benefit for others.
You can stop using TENS at any time and discuss other pain-management options with your maternity healthcare team.
CAN I USE TENS WITH OTHER LABOUR PAIN RELIEF?
TENS can form one part of your overall approach to managing labour pain.
Other options may include movement and positioning, breathing and relaxation techniques, massage, heat, water immersion and medical forms of pain relief.
Using TENS earlier in labour does not prevent you from considering other options later if required.
Your midwife or doctor can help you understand the pain-management choices available to you.
PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE TIP
Did you know that some private health insurers may provide rebates towards the purchase of a TENS machine?
Eligibility and rebate amounts depend on your insurer and level of cover.
Find out more about Private Health Insurance Rebates for TENS Machines.
PREPARE YOUR TENS MACHINE BEFORE LABOUR
Don't wait until contractions begin to work out how your TENS machine operates.
Before your due date:
Become familiar with the controls
Check that the batteries are charged or fresh
Make sure you have suitable electrode pads ready
Understand where the pads should be positioned
Pack your TENS machine in your hospital or birth bag
A little preparation means your TENS machine is ready when you need it.
USING TENS SAFELY DURING LABOUR
Discuss the use of TENS during labour with your midwife, doctor or maternity healthcare professional.
For labour, electrode pads are generally positioned on the back and should not be placed on the abdomen. Do not place pads over broken, irritated or numb skin.
Do not use TENS in water, including in a bath, shower or birthing pool. Remove the TENS machine and electrode pads before entering water.
TENS may not be appropriate for everyone, including some people with implanted electrical devices such as pacemakers.
Follow the advice of your maternity healthcare team regarding when and how to use TENS during labour.
