TENS FOR LABOUR PAIN

What is a TENS machine?

TENS or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation is a drug free pain relief method often used for labour pain by sending mild electrical pulses through the skin to the spinal cord and to the brain.

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How does a TENS machine relieve pain?

Researchers believe that TENS works by changing how a person perceives their pain. Low intensity TENS is thought to work via a gate control theory. The idea is that the brain is so overloaded with the buzzing sensation that it is unable to recognise the labour pain. Sometimes high intensity can be used.

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Is a TENS machine safe?

Other then some occasional skin irritation under the electrode pads, no studies report any side effects to TENS therapy. TENS can be used alongside both drug and non-drug pain relief methods, however it cannot be used in water immersion births or in the shower.

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How can I use a TENS machine for labour?

TENS is advised to commence at the beginning of your labour.  You can begin to increase the sensation as your labour progresses. It is usually used on the lower back, with electrodes placed either side of the spine. You will feel a buzzing or tingling sensation where the pads are placed and you can increase or decrease the intensity of the sensation as required during contractions.

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What TENS machine is recommended?

At physiozest we recommend obstetric TENS for labour pain relief. Obstetric TENS has a separate hand held boost button, which enables you to easily & quickly select boost mode when contractions ramp up. You can move around with the TENS machine on allowing you to utilise other movement methods of pain relief simultaneously.

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