nikki28

Hi everyone,
my name is nikki and this is my first thread on the site.
I am keen to find out if the tens is any use during labour and has anyone tried one yet?
i am planning on buying one from boots to use when i go into labour at the end of march. i dont want an epidural as i managed with gas and air and pethedine with my second so this time i thought id try gas and air as well as tens. can anyone recomend a good one?

Jazzy

My sister in law had one had one and she said it was amazing, she didn't need any other pain relief, but it doesn't work for , I think she had the Elle one xx

Tam

Personally I do not know anyone as yet that has managed with a tens machine alone or even had much joy, initially they started off well, but by the time labour started in full swing, it was too much for the machine handle it just never took the edge off, other help was needed.

But that is not everybody who has used them, just those I know! x

Mango

HI Nikki, I'll be using a TENS machine alone for labour without any pain relief, at least that is the plan. (I'm actually going to pick up my TENS this afternoon so I'll let u know more about it once I pick it up).

I know three other ladies that have used it and they found it very very helpful during labour. It does not get rid of the pain as much as the chemical pain reliefs do but it certainly helps you manage from what I understand.

nikkybaby

Can I just ask what a tens machine is??????

Tam

Got this from the TENS website for you, it will explain it better tham me:

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a professionally researched, tried and tested method of pain management in childbirth and chronic pain used in European hospitals and clinics since the 1960's.
Labour TENS unit is an advanced, small, battery powered device which sends a pulsed electrical stimulus via pads to the skin.

The purpose of a TENS machine (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) is to trigger your body into releasing its own natural painkillers (endorphins). This is done by placing electrodes on your back and allowing the TENS machine to send an electric current through them. You control the amount of current by using a hand-held device, so you can modulate the current so as to keep it within your comfort level. TENS machines have never been found to harm either the mother or the baby.

Mango

Tried out my TENS last night, very cool feeling, we'll see how it works in the real event though. The physiotherapist told me it's important to put it on at the very beginning of labour as the body will need at least 30min to adjust. Forgot the brand I have though, will check again.

Tam

nikki28

hi ladies,
i have decided to go with the elle tens machine. ive been doing a bit of research on their website and ive read its very effective. i plan to use it with gas and air but if that fails theres always pethedine which is what i used before with the gas and air. hope it helps though as im going to buy one instead of renting.

Mango

Glad to hear you got your Tens hun. When are you due?