2006-07-01 12:20:28 · 12 answers · asked by dizzydi 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
My only indirect experience was from a friend. Her partner was 'operating' it and basically kept panicking and giving her electric shocks! It is not as if you get a chance to practice beforehand... I wouldn't rely on it, try it, if it doesn't work go to plan B. My experience of labour was that I only needed gas and air(and I'm not heroic!) but I was open to anything if the situation arose.
2006-07-01 12:31:14 · answer #1 · answered by Emily 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Everybody in labour is different. I survived through labour with just gas and air and a Tens machine whereas my sister had to have an epidural and was hysterical throughout. I really found the Tens machine helpful through this labour but it made no difference in a previous labour. If you are in the UK Boots are apparently doing a free rental service of TENS so it's worth getting one anyway. The midwife can fit the TENS for you so all you need to do is have it ready. If you don't like it, it takes seconds to remove. It does give you an odd sensation like pins and needles in little patches on your back. I found that it didn't stop the labour pain as it is supposed to, but if I turned it up enough, all I could feel was the pain from the TENS and I forgot about the cramps. I know they have them in some hospitals but if you are interested, make sure you reserve one early as they don't always have a huge supply. Good luck!! xx
2006-07-03 02:59:19 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is more of a mind control thing, it takes your mind off the pain more than releaving it. Its good but only if you can handle pain, the only pure relief is epidural, but I managed on Gas and Air alone and Im a wimp!!
Its good as well as you keep level headed - unlike the injection drugs like pethadine etc, and there is no effect to the baby, and you can use it mobile walking around - within limitations of the length of the tubing! Unlike some epidurals which can imobilise you.
2006-07-02 00:40:21 · answer #3 · answered by Hannah 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had tens with my second and third babies. It helped at lot, especially the third, when I had that and aromatherapy and didnt need anything else.
Part of the help may be that you are so busy trying to work it that you get distracted from the labour. As I was giving birth to my daughter I accidentally knocked the switch onto full and got such a shock from it and was also busy trying to kill my husband so didnt really notice her coming out.
2006-07-02 23:54:40 · answer #4 · answered by BusyMum 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It distracts you from the pain in very early labour, but I personally found that I coped better doing deep breathing (which came naturally) than having to remember to switch the Tens machine on.
2006-07-01 18:49:21 · answer #5 · answered by dashabout 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it didn't work for me...but it does for some people. I just thought it gave me another pain to focus on, I actually found it painful but is not the same for everyone. Try it and see. I found gas and air to be much more effective;)
2006-07-01 12:28:16 · answer #6 · answered by Caroline H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I never used one as I had a C-section with my first and another planned one with my second.
I have two friends that used them, one successfully, even managed a quick trip to the shops with one strapped to her, but my other friend just got irritated by it.
It's certainly worth having a try of it, and see how you get on.
2006-07-02 02:47:53 · answer #7 · answered by Violent and bored 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it only work in the early stages of labour, not at all later
2006-07-01 12:44:37 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Apparently so. But not for everyone with the same degree of success.
2006-07-01 12:23:06 · answer #9 · answered by Thinker 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It didn't work for me I soon opted for the epidural and gas and air
2006-07-01 12:28:55 · answer #10 · answered by mams brown eyed gel 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋