Are you looking for a way to manage pain from contractions during labour? The Labour TENS machine is a small, portable device for unmedicated pain relief. Here is everything you need to know about how it works, how to use it, and how to hire one at our clinic.
What is a Labour TENS Machine?
A TENS machine (which stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) is a pocket-sized, battery-operated device. It connects via wires to four sticky pads (electrodes) that you place on your back.
While normal TENS machines are used for everyday back aches, a Labour TENS machine is specially designed for childbirth. It features a “Boost” button that you can press to get extra relief when a contraction hits.
How Does It Work?
Labour TENS helps reduce your pain in two ways:
- It blocks pain signals: The machine sends a gentle, tingling sensation through the sticky pads. These tingling signals travel up your nerves faster than pain signals do. This essentially “jams the signal” to your brain to reduce contraction pain.
- It triggers natural painkillers: The continuous tingling prompts your body to release endorphins, which are your body’s natural, feel-good chemicals that relieves pain.
When should I start using it?
It is best to put the TENS machine on during the early stages of labour (when contractions are just starting at home). Starting early gives your body time to build up those natural, pain-killing endorphins before things get intense. You can then keep using it all the way through active labour.
How Do I Use a Labour TENS Machine?
Using a TENS machine is very straightforward, but having a professional guide you through it before your due date will help you feel completely confident.
1. Where do the sticky pads go?
You will place four sticky pads on your lower back: two just below your bra line and two lower down, at the dimples where your pelvis starts. These positions target the nerves that carry pain from your uterus and cervix.
2. Using the “Rest” and “Boost” buttons
- Between contractions (Rest Mode): Keep the machine on a low, steady setting. It will feel like a light buzzing or tingling. This keeps you relaxed and keeps the endorphins flowing.
- During a contraction (Boost Mode): As soon as you feel a contraction starting, press the Boost button. The machine will immediately switch to a stronger, pulsing sensation to help you ride out the peak of the pain. Once the contraction fades, press it again to return to the rest mode.
Our Pelvic Health Physiotherapists can walk you through a practice run during your pregnancy so you know exactly what it feels.
When Should I NOT Use a TENS Machine?
While TENS machines are incredibly safe, there are a few important rules to follow:
- Never in water: TENS machines are electronic and not waterproof. You must take the pads off before getting into the bath, shower, or a birthing pool.
- Not before 37 weeks: Do not use it before your pregnancy is considered full-term unless your medical team explicitly tells you to.
- Medical conditions: Do not use it if you have a pacemaker, a heart rhythm issue, or if you are placing the pads over broken skin.
How Can I Hire One?
It is highly recommended to hire your TENS machine at 37 weeks to ensure that it is packed in your hospital bag and ready to go!
At Sydney Women’s Physiotherapy Clinic, you can hire a labour TENS machine for 5 weeks or more. If you are uncertain on how to use it, you can book in a “Labour TENS consult/hire” session with one of our friendly Pelvic Health Physios to show you exactly how to place the pads and practice using the buttons.
- How to book: Call us on 02 8883 5360 to secure your TENS hire or to book a Labour TENS consult/hire session.
- Where to find us: Suite 308, Q Central, 10 Norbrik Drive, Bella Vista.
Jacqui