Tens machine?!

[WhiteMagnolia]

I am going down the natal hypnotherapy route but am looking at using a TENS machine in early labour a) what are your thoughts -- would it be too distracting? Also has anyone one got a good quality one they would sell me and post to London if I go that way? Or anyone got any horror stories about TENS machines? I am pretty much full term so would need to move on this fairly quickly!

Thank you!


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MNHQ Update
This is a very 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. Based on the tried and tested recommendations of Mumsnetters, the page includes a wide range of options including machines for hire. We hope it's helpful!

[Mummabear12]

I will definitely be using one again this time around! And yes it's very distracting but that's the good thing about it! It takes you mind off the other horrible dull pain of contractions! It also gives you a sense of control as you can operate the handset for it and make it stronger or weaker! I would desk steps recommend trying one x

[mustardtomango]

I'm interested in this too... Can you try using it before labour? Wasn't sure but also want to know before actually being there

[2beornot]

It's all I used in labour with dd. as mumma said, the distraction is part of the benefit (although how that fits in with hypnobirthing I don't know). I used it up until the pushing part when I needed to concentrate!

[MrsFtn]

I used one and will def use one again. I had a 9lb 8oz baby with just TENS for pain relief - and I only had two stitches so it must have relaxed me! I actually gave the controls to DH to give him something to do and make him feel useful! I hired mine from Boots for about 27 pounds. They do recommend you try it out beforehand so you know what you're doing when the time comes. We had a giod practise so we both knew what to do with it when I actually went into labour.

[CruCru]

I loved my TENS machine - borrowed it off a friend the first time but have bought one this time.

I think they recommend that pregnant women don't use one before labour as it can bring on labour. I wasn't allowed to try one out in my NCT class last time.

[Fakebook]

I'm not sure TENS machine helped me. It gave me little electric shocks that hurt more than labour pains. I stupidly used it twice but won't be using it again, unless you're supposed to feel tingling electric shocks...I don't think you are though.

[PastaBeeandCheese]

It was the only thing that touched the pain for me. Got to 8cm with it at which point the midwife gave me gas and air which I didn't really like partly because it stopped me using my tens effectively.

I'm hoping this time to just use tens. I counted through each contraction and pressed the boost button at the peak. When I couldn't count anymore DH counted for me.

Mine was a mamatens. I put it on as soon as contractions started and was able to sleep for the first few hours.

It's a weird sensation but if you start using it early on on the lowest setting you can get used to it and build up to the higher settings.

[Charlystar]

My due date is today and its my first baby. I have a tens machine ready for when the time comes. I had a play with it a few weeks ago so i know how to use it. They are meant for back aches also so can be used for this during pregnancy as longer as your past 37 weeks (full term). If it does bring on labour which it didnt for me its a bonus in my eyes. You shouldnt use it before 37 weeks though.

[NoodieRoodie]

I agree with MrsFtn I had a 9lb 7oz and only used TENS. I put it on when I felt the first twinge, before I was even convinced I was in labour and just kept steadily turning up the intensity.

I rented one last time, DC2 is due in just under 6 weeks and this time I've bought a second hand one from ebay.

[jammiecat]

I used a TENS machine (which I hired) in combination with hypnobirthing techniques. It distracted me from the pain but not from the hypnobirthing and I'll definitely be using it again. It's not advised to try it before labour, but as others have said do put it on at an early stage os you can build it up as you progress.