Tens machine

[BreatheDeep]

Did anyone use a Tens machine in labour? If so, which would you recommend? I didn't use one with my first but I'm 2 months from my due date with my second and starting to worry my first stages of labour will be as drawn out and painful as my first! About 36 hours of pain before I was dilated enough for gas and air and the birthing pool. The second and third stages didn't bother me as much as the first!!


---
MNHQ Update
This is an old thread, but if you've landed here while on the hunt for similar recommendations, our guide to the best TENS machine has been recently updated. It includes a wide range of options – including devices you can hire as well as purchase – and has been compiled based on the recommendations of Mumsnetters as well as maternity experts. We hope it's helpful!

[sentia]

I was in pre-labour for six days, and my TENS machine was my constant companion - it was amazing. It meant I could sleep and cope with the intermittent contractions so I wasn't shattered when I finally got into established labour.

[Luckystar1]

Yes I used mine for my first labour 48 hours in 'pre' labour it was a god send. Didn't use it this time round but only because I didn't need it.

[BreatheDeep]

Do you know what ones they are? I don't really have the first clue what to look for in one - what features are useful etc

[Wolfiefan]

I used one first time round. You need one with a boost button. You keep it on at a low level and boost it during a contraction.

[sentia]

Mine was a mamaTENS.

[Lovemylittlebear]

I think I have put mine on too late perhaps both times to know if helping or not as it was full blown on both occasions - maybe will try it earlier this time and see.

[Lalunya85]

I've had one for both my births and they are brilliant! Partly because it gives you something else to focus in when the contractions start getting more intense.

I also had a mamaTENS. Rented it from boots.

[Lookinatu]

I used mine for both of my labours and they helped until I was about 7/8cm gone. I rented mine from mothercare and I think it was a mama tens.

[Muddlingalongalone]

I had one for my first labour & it was great. I think it was mamatens & I rented it.
Didn't get round to it & ended up being induced earlier than expected & wish I'd had it!

[Lovemylittlebear]

Ah I think I may have been about 5-6 cm when I put mine on so probably timed it wrong by the look of this then. I put it on both times when the pain was already pretty grim. You can't go in water though when you have one on so that's something to bear in mind in terms of your pain relief options

[BreatheDeep]

Thanks everyone, I was looking at the MammaTens one in mothercare so will probably go for that.
I know they aren't great in later stages and can't be used in water but I'm actually not worried about that part. With my first I went from 6cm to pushing in less than 3 hours and only pushed for 15 minutes! It's the 30-40 odd hours it took from 2cm to 6cm that was awful for me so I think tens should work for me. Fingers crossed!

[Dixiechick17]

I rented mine through boots, just a word of warning, when you do the rental, they send you a CD and voucher to then go online and rent it from the manufacturer, so it's not as straight forward as renting it directly from boots iyswim.

I didn't use mine in the end, as forgot I had it once so got the first contraction

[LillianFullStop]

I bought the MamaTENS mytime from Amazon. I was going to rent from Boots for £39 for 4 weeks (they will deliver from your 37th week) but saw it was on sale for £59 with free next day delivery with Amazon Prime.

Only £20 difference and it was here next day and mine to keep. DH is adamant hell be able to use for his back pain afterwards!