Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
This is a very widely used, non-invasive method of pain relief that can be used from the beginning of labour right through to birth and beyond.
How does it work?
Four sticky pads are placed onto your back – two around the middle where your bra strap would normally sit and two lower down just at the top of your knicker line. These are attached by wires to a small handheld, battery operated device that you can control throughout the time you are using it. Small amounts of electrical current passes through the pads and stimulate the nerve receptors sending messages to your brain to increase the amount of your natural painkiller – endorphins.
The electrical current pulses at a level of your choosing and when you feel a surge beginning you can press the ‘Boost’ button which changes the current to continuous, thus giving you a ‘Boost’ of your own endorphins. Once you feel the surge beginning to subside again you can press the button to return the current to pulsing. This also gives you a feeling of being in control of your own pain relief which, in turn, keeps you calm and relaxed allowing you to stay focused and use other breathing and relaxation techniques such as Hypnobirthing.
You can have other analgesia such as paracetamol, codeine and Entonox while continuing to use the TENS machine.
If you want to go into the pool in the later stages of your labour, or feel you need an epidural, then you will have to remove the TENS machine.
Using a TENS machine has no known effect on the baby during labour.
You can continue to use the TENS machine in the post natal period if you have severe afterpains.
The TENS machine can also be used by people suffering with any muscle or joint pain as the effect of producing endorphins to relieve their pain is the same as when you are in labour.
Where can I get a TENS machine?
If you feel that a TENS machine would be helpful to you for your labour and other people in your household may also benefit, then it might be worth investing in buying one.
They vary widely in price so it would be worth researching their different capabilities depending on your needs.
There is also the option to hire a TENS machine from us at Naturally Baby and we are always happy to advise you further with any questions you may have.
