Tens Unit Hire
TENS is a drug-free kind of pain relief often used by women in early labour. TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation.
A maternity TENS machine consists of a battery-powered, hand-held controller connected by fine leads to four flat pads. The pads are covered in a firm gel that helps them stick to your back.
The machine sends small, safe pulses of electrical current via the leads to the pads on your skin. The pulses pass through your skin and into your muscles and tissues. This gives you a gentle tingling or buzzing sensation, which may be stronger or weaker, depending on the setting level.
How does a TENS machine work?
TENS works to help you cope in labour due to a combination of factors. These include:
- the electrical pulses prevent pain signals from reaching your brain
- the pulses stimulate your body to release natural, feel-good substances called endorphins
- it helps you to feel in control of your labour and be less anxious
- it offers a distraction from your contractions
When should I use TENS?
You can use TENS from the very beginning of your labour.
You could start using it when you’re getting regular contractions or backache. You may find that the machine works better at relieving your backache than other types of pain. This is probably because the pads are on your back.
TENS is most likely to be effective in early labour though you may still need other forms of pain relief as your labour gets stronger.
When shouldn’t I use TENS?
Never use a TENS machine under the following circumstances, without talking to a midwife or doctor first:
- Before you go into labour.
- When you’re in a shower, bath, or birth pool.
- If you have broken skin or a healing scar where you want to place the pads.
- If you have a cardiac pacemaker or a heart rhythm problem.
- If you have pain that you don’t think is labour pain. See your doctor or midwife if this is the case.
What are the advantages of TENS?
- You can keep moving around while using it.
- It won’t directly interfere with your labour.
- You can use it for as long as you want to and take it off if you want or need to.
- There are no lasting side-effects.
- It’s safe for you and your baby.
- You don’t need an anaesthetist, doctor or midwife to help you use it.
- It can be used for a home birth.
- It’s portable and non-invasive.
- You control it.
- It’s easy to use.
What are the disadvantages of TENS?
- You probably won’t be able to put the pads in place without help.
- You may find it only gives you relief in the early stages of labour.
- You‘ll probably need to pay to hire or buy a TENS machine, as not all hospitals have them.
- TENS can’t be used in water, though you can still use it before you get in a bath or birth pool.
- If you want your birth partner to massage your back, he’ll have to work around the pads.
Testimonials
I hired a TENS unit for the birth of my little boy and would definitely recommend it. I used it in early labour once contractions became uncomfortable right up until i got to the hospital where I was 7cm.
It definitely helped me get through that early labour stage so that I didn't spend my energy worrying about early contractions and then I was in the right mindset for the harder stuff!
- Shanice Sahin
We hired a TENS Machine from Carol for my second birth as I had heard good things about them from friends.
Carol was very informative upon collecting the unit, and gave clear instructions of use. We got extra sticky pads; batteries and an information booklet upon use. It was ideal because we could collect it 2 weeks before due date; and I was able to test it out and make sure I was confident in using it before labour.
I used it from the very start of labour and found it really good; I used no other pain relief. I used it in the car to travel to the hospital; and found it a really good distraction to focus on during contractions!
Although I did not use it for the final stages of labour (as I used a birthing pool!) But I would still recommend it even just for the initial stages of labour.
- Lauren Carroll
