TENS Machine

[Kempton]

Hi ladies. Was wondering if anyone had any experience of using a TENS machine when they were in labour and whether they could shed some light on how effective they found it?

Mine arrived yesterday and I'm just figuring out how it works, getting used to all the different controls and settings.

Thanks!

[Hidden]

Hi I used it I didn’t find it any use tbh but everyone’s different might work for you.

[Kempton in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the reply. I've read similar things online. I guess I won't know if it works for me until the time comes!

[roxannacar]

Was ok at the start with my first one... once the proper contracts kicked it didn't do much. Didn't bother using it with my second one. But some people do find it helps, so worth giving it a try... beware you can't use it if you plan a water birth

[Kempton in reply to roxannacar]

Thanks. I've been told to start using it right at the start for the best impact. I'm a bit unsure now though Cuz I liked the idea of a water birth, or at least access to a pool for pain relief and relaxation. I also read a few people (on Google) saying that the TENS machine was less effective after having a bath and I'd bought a load of Bath salts for when labour begins.

I guess I'll see how it all goes on the day!

Thanks for the reply.

[Lynnc84 in reply to Kempton]

I had a bath after starting TENS. Just took it off and put it in again afterwards. But I found TENS more helpful than the bath.

[KellyTrip]

I used one during my second labour and found it helped along with controlled breathing. If I tried it during my first then I would say it wouldn't have been useful at all but I had two very different labours!! I was glad I had it during my second as it was my only pain relief!

[Kempton in reply to KellyTrip]

Thanks, that's really positive!

[Lynnc84]

I really liked it. I had a baby who was back to back though so it helped to relieve the back pain as well. It’s good because you can increase the strength as labour progresses.

[Kempton in reply to Lynnc84]

Ouch! I've heard back to back is very painful so sounds like the TENS machine was really effective. Thanks for the reply!

[Hidden in reply to Lynnc84]

My first was back to back how did you find labour ?

[Lynnc84 in reply to Hidden]

Pretty painful. Ended up with forceps as she didn’t want to come out. But she’s fine and so am I - that’s always the main thing 🙂

[Hidden in reply to Lynnc84]

Yeah I found it horrendous I had ventouse and a million stitches. But yeah you get over it, made my second baby’s birth feel like a breeze.