TENS machines - do they work?

Absolutely not, for me anyway!

TENs was brilliant for me - used it until I couldn't feel the impulses anymore (ie. the pain was too strong) - then went on to epidural ! I'd definitely use one again - in fact I wouldn't do it without one !

No. Not for me, anyway.

I had one and would definitly use one again. I put it on when i was getting irregular contractions in the morning, stayed at home all day, went into hospital the following morning 2:00 am, and wore it until it was no longer giving me any relief, about 6:00. I had my son at 7:00 am. It definitely helped me, whether it was actual pain relief or a placebo I don't know or care. I could feel a huge increase in the pain everytime I had to stop the TENS (i.e. during examinations) and it would take a while to build up again. I know people they've helped and people they had no effect on. I think if they are used early enough in labour they're are most benefical, i.e. the pain relief builds up. I enjoyed being free to move about with it. I'd try it if I were you Mog, and if it doesn't help, then have a second method of pain relief lined up. Do they cost that much to hire?

mmmmm TENS machines... I hired one for both my deliveries. The first time round it worked a little bit, mainly I think because pressing that button gave me something to do and a slight feeling of being in control -- until the really heavy contractions set in and at that point I opted for an epidural. The second time round I had convinced myself that labour wasn't that bad and I'd do it without an epidural. But when the contractions got going I just went straight to an epidural and didn't even get the TENS machine out of its box. If I have another baby I won't bother at all with a TENS machine. ALthough as you said in your post, some people swear by them.