A TENS  (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) machine is a small hand-held device with electrode pads attached. It works by sending electrical impulses through sticky pads on the skin, which usually feels like a tingling or buzzing sensation. 

The impulses reduce pain signals to the brain and spinal cord whilst also stimulating the body’s own natural pain relief, endorphins, which are thought to be 200x more efficient than taking morphine. 

TENS machines are often used for different types of pain and can be used in labour as a non-pharmacological pain relief method. This can be a source of relief as contractions build to become more intense and a great distraction when on the way to the hospital. 

If you’d like to know more about your pain relief options for labour, check out my hypnobirthing course.

Positives

TENS machines are a low-cost drug-free method of pain relief. They are reusable and are widely available to buy in the UK.

Most TENS machines are small so can be carried around or put into a birth bag easily, with some having a cord for around the neck to keep the machines close in labour. TENS machines are generally easy to use, take standard batteries and have adjustable settings controlled by the user.

The TENS machine can be used from early labour and still allows for moving around into different positions. They can be worn at home or in the hospital and don’t need health care professional supervision.

There are no known side effects or any adverse effects to birther or baby during labour (see further down for some medical conditions where you may need to ask a doctor for advice).

A TENS machine can be a useful pain relief tool in the early stages of labour, especially if you’re labouring at home or if you feel most contractions in your back. They can be useful after labour too, for things like afterpains and back pain.

“According to our study findings, the TENS therapy use during labor did not affect the childbirth process’s consequences, the maternal outcomes, and the fetal outcomes. The researchers recorded no advanced effects among women in the experimental group. These results are similar to other studies.” (Njogu et al 2021)

Things to consider

It’s worth keeping in mind that you might buy one and not get chance to use it depending on the circumstances.

Of course water and electricity don’t mix, so you’ll have to remove the TENS machine if you’d like a shower, bath or birth pool.

The research of using TENS machines in labour is low quality, so there’s nothing to say that they actually improve labour, it all depends on your circumstance and pain threshold as to if it has any benefits for you.

There is chance of irritation if your skin is sensitive to the sticky pads.

It’s very important to seek medical advice before using a TENS machine if you have a pacemaker or any other electrical or metal implant, epilepsy, a heart problem, an overactive bladder or bleeding / circulation problems.

Some hospitals advise using in early labour only (based on NICE guidance), so you may have to find another method of pain relief further into labour (there’s no evidence for or against using one in active labour. Some people choose to keep using it, some don’t).

So what are your thoughts? Worth the investment or not too sure? I know many people who rate TENS machines, clients and friends, and some who didn’t find it so useful! It seems it’s really down to personal preference.

What many people do like about TENS machines is that if you don’t use it, you can sell it on or let friends borrow it. You don’t have to go for the most expensive device either, but the ‘boost’ button is a great option to be able to increase the impulses instantly as you go into a contraction. You can also hire them for slightly cheaper (hiring available through Babycare TENS below).

If you want to try out your TENS machine before labour, please only do so after 37 weeks. It’s also recommended to trial it on the forearm rather than the lower back, but if in doubt do seek advice from your midwife.

Babycare TENS machines are specifically designed for use in labour. This is a very established brand which is highly rated by users. If you’d like to check them out, you can get an exclusive 10% off if you spend over £25.50 through my link here.

(The link above is an affiliate link and so it contributes a small amount to running my business if you do decide to purchase through it. If you do, thank you so much for supporting me and I hope you found this post useful.)

For personalised support and information antenatally or postnatally, take a look at my courses and services. 

Disclaimer: My blog posts are for informational purposes only. Please speak to your midwife or obstetrician for advice and guidance relevant to you. All information above is accurate to the best of my knowledge at the time of writing. Also take a look at the NHS page for pain relief in labour.