TENS machine in labour - worth it?

[alliemarg]

Hi there - I'm 31 weeks and turning my thoughts to prep for labour. I wondered if anyone had any experiences to share in regards to TENS machines? Is it worth hiring one for early labour do you think?

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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!

[PickleSarnie]

I bloody loved mine. It's a really annoying feeling and I think the annoyingness of it is what makes it work. It distracts from the pain of contractions ( only a bit off course, they're not miracle workers!)

[FlossieTreadlight]

Also loved mine - used an Elle tens I got from eBay. I used it until I was around 5cms, then had to v quickly take it off as it started doing my head in. Until then, great and well worth the £15.

[Waggamamma]

I hated it. The sensation really annoyed me and I didn't use it for long! Personal preference definitely.

[thatwhichwecallarose]

It's all I needed! Borrowed from a friend and I'm planning to use it again this time. Whether I'll need more pain relief later on I don't know (am v open minded) but while
I'm at home I'll definitely be plugged on!

[duvetfan]

I loved mine. It wasthe nonly thing that got me through the journey to hospital. Was gutted when it had to be taken off as it was making the heartbeat monitor go crazy. I got to 8 cm with just that and gas and air. I would have probably not needed anything else if I could have kept it.on. 27weeks pregnant with dc 2. Will definitely be hiring one this time.

[mrsannekins]

I loved mine while I was in early labour at home, but once I got to hospital and was dilated enough for g&a, I threw it across the room calling it an instrument of torture!

Though I fully intend to use it again when the next time comes.

[BlueChampagne]

Definitely a 'marmite' thing but no harm in trying - you can always take it off if you don't get on with it.

[angelopal]

Never got one. But my labours were 6 and 3.5 hrs from first contraction to baby being delivered so would not have got much use out of it if I had.

[Tortoiseturtle]

Mine broke down after about 10 mins, so not impressed.

[juliascurr]

liked it; friend had nothing else for her 10 pound son

[jimblejambles]

I used one in all 3 of my labours I would absolutely recommend one

[BitOutOfPractice]

I didn't think mine was doing much...until the pads came off and I nearly hit the roof!

Yes, I'd recommend

[TreadSoftlyOnMyDreams]

DH thought they were a bit bollocks from our NCT classes so he stuck the pads on my back, ramped it up to max, .... and then pressed the booster button.................... I nearly went out the window and couldn't even bear the lowest setting after that. Gave it to a skinny friend who swore by it and has had two v large children with just a tens machine and a bit of G&A at the hospital.

Loads of people have them - ask around before buying one.

I still regret giving it away so hastily. Should have taken the opportunity to return the favour to DH once DD2 was conceived.

[AnarchyRules]

Yes was great during induction with lots of back pain - don't think I could have coped without (looooong induction and labour) used alongside gas and air but had to take it off when the epidural went in as it became ineffective against syntocin strengthened contractions.

Will definitely use next time!

[CripesItsTheGasMan]

Didn't do anything for me,, but still try it as it may work for you.

[findingherfeet]

For me it was a god send with my first, I laboured all in my back with DD and it felt like a really intense massage, didn't need any other pain relief.

I assumed it was essential kit for DS but it didn't even make a scratch on the horrendous agony that was his labour! (Thankfully all done and dusted in 1 hour 45 mins! No time for anything else...didn't even make it to the hospital...)

I'd say definitely worth a try.

[EasilyDistracted77]

I have no idea if it did anything or not, but as other people have said, TENS provides a good distraction from the contractions. Something else I can recommend is a contraction-timing App on your mobile phone - another great distraction (though hubbie was pressing the buttons on that one) and also consoling to know how long your contractions are actually lasting "it's only 40 seconds, I can handle this" type thing.

[seasavage]

I found it really useless. The most effective relief was a shower on my lower back. Really pumelling. That got me to virtually transitiin. Then i realised I best get to hospital! So the TENS didn't get out of the packet.

[theborrower]

Yes! I used it right to the end, and thought it was great. The best £32 I've spent recently. It's worth a try, I reckon.

[Scoobsmam13]

I really loved the TENS until about 5cm, then I was put on the drip and needed something stronger. However by then it had got me through about 12 hours of labour on and off. I hired mine from Boots I think.

[RegrettablyYours]

Without question in the first phases. Fantastic. Last bit..I have to confess I sucked on the gas and air tube rather hard.

[WhatAHooHa]

Another yes here. Gas and air made me violently sick so it ended up as my only pain relief!

[PamDooveOrangeJoof]

Yes! My was amazing and helped two other of my friends through labour too.
You def have to be in labour to try it though. I tried it beforehand and it felt awful! When I was in labour I was fighting them to keep it on!
One thing though, make sure you don't sit on the leads or pull them out as you get electric shocks.

I'm actually selling mine, pm me if you're interested.

[RegrettablyYours]

Hmm have to confess that I threw up spectacularly too...still recommend it though!