Do TENS machines work?

Question

How do they work and how effective are they?
I am planning on a drug free birth this time round

Answer 1

yes it worked for me but i suppose everyone is different i used tens for all 3 of mine it doesn't take all the pain away but it certainly eases it...its worth a try...good luck and congratulations

Answer 2

I had a drug free birth the first time round, and it almost put me off for life!!

I'm going to try the TENS machine this time, as it worked for my mum and it has worked for a mate of mine (and she has 5!).

I won't re-explain about the electrical pulses, coz the other answerers already did that!

;-)

Answer 3

My wife has used a tens machine before and plan to do so again when she goes in on 8th march to get induced. She has found that they help taking the edge of her contractions and are key to her achieving a natural drug free delivery. Its worth a try. good luck

Answer 4

i am 20wks pregnant with my 6th child i had drug free labour with the last 4 children i used the tens machine and found it worked for me i do know that not everyone feels like this but give it a go natural birth is so much better your in control of your thoughts and can work with your body so much better it is wonderful afterwards when you are not out of it with drugs best wishes xx

Answer 5

I used them with my first, they stick to the bottom of your back and send little pulses into your body, when a contraction comes you press a button and the pulses speed up and get a little stronger. I hated them! They seem to make my contractions hurt more and they really irritated me, I got really restless and annoyed while they were on. I do know that a lot of people like them though so you can always give them a try and see what works for you, have an open mind!

Good luck!

Answer 6

Hi. I used a TENS for early labour with my first child, but personally found deep breathing and baths helped more with the pain. With my second baby I didn't even get it out of the bag, so this time I won't even bother to hire one.

The thing that helped me most of all was my husband rubbing the lower part of my back when I had a contraction. This REALLY helps.

Answer 7

I have to agree with the answer about it being a distraction rather than a reliever. I would say that in the very early stages whilst pottering at home it helps a bit but when it really kicks in then I think it's time to try something else. Good luck.

Answer 8

I used a TENS machine until the midwife would let me into the birthing pool. I really believed it would help but it didn't do anything at all for me personally. I gave in and used gas and air!!

Answer 9

A drug-free birth? Seriously? Are you crazy? Lol well I certainly admire your bravery. I could never give birth without drugs.
TENS machines can work really well for some, whereas for others it can do nothing and even slow down the labour.

Answer 10

TENS machines use a mild electrical stimulus to achieve pain relief. Broadly speaking they are pretty good and an excellent substitute for a medication regime.

Answer 11

There marketed on the television for use in being pregnant and labour so identity say they're lol. if your nonetheless apprehensive ask your midwife 1st. Boots hire them, around £30 for 9 weeks yet there around that value to purchase so which you would be able to aswell basically purchase it and in case you dont like it then dont use it. comparable value as basically renting besides. let us know if it works!