Tens - What are your experiences?

[TettyLouBar]

Hi all,
I'm 36+1/40 with DD2. Have just had mamatens my time delivered that I have hired for the labour (I know, I cant believe it got here today either - snow galore!)
Anyway, was wondering what your experiences were with the tens machine?

I didnt use one the first time around and was intrigued by them this time so thought I would order one for hire. Just tried it out to see how it all works, didn't turn it up very far as I was a bit unsure. But it seems like it might be a good distraction during labour! Is that all I can expect: distraction, or did you find that it actually provided pain relief?

I had a rough time with DD1 (back to back, long drawn out labour, ending in lots of interventions) and was hoping that this may ease the early stages atleast!?!?

I got to 10cm dialation by just using a tens machine (I did have a very fast labour though) I found it was good for taking my mind off the contraction and gave me something to focus on. However when I decided I had had enough of it I ripped it off my back and swapped to gas and air immediately.

Just gave birth last Wednesday to our little one. Whilst unfortunately things got tricky at the end leading to an emergency CS, I had only used the tens machine throughout labour, was very happy with that and politely declined gas & air etc. Agree with honeymoo - think key is to put it on as soon as contractions start and then adjust according to their intensity.

I took part in the original research on TENS when I had DD back in the mid 80s. It had to be connected up by a physio in those days and physio had to stick around to monitor use.

I thought it was ok, but presence of physio helped more than TENs i reckon... looking back.

Does anyone know if these things can help with chronic pain (back/hip/neck)?

I used it up until DS2 was nearly out, then it just got annoying and I had to have it ripped off my back.
Similar with DS1 but stopped using it 3 hours before that time, same thing, it just got annoying.
Would deffo recommend.

Thanks all, really helpful comments. I will definately give it a try. and will report back with my opinion!

I got a Boots one and extra pads off Ebay.
It was great for backache in late pregnancy but a warning - rechargeable batteries don't fit it so make sure you have extra batteries on hand!

Definitely kept me sane while getting to hospital (on level 3) and while waiting for epidural (level 17, max!)

WhatsWrongWithYou TENS machines were originally made for chronic pain, I believe. They are definitely used for back pain, etc

AstridsTardisDisaster Does that mean you can't use a TENS if you're being monitored? I'm planning a VBAC in May and have been told/advised to have continual EFM, it hadn't crossed my mind that I wouldn't be able to use a TENS.

Using it right now as I tick off the minutes between contractions...finding it really helpful, it definitely makes you feel more in control.

ohhh deedee321 How exciting! Good luck.

deedee321 thats great news. Hope your ok. Let us know what you have!!

Personally I would reccomend it.I had an EMC'S but before that I found it really HELPFULL.still I have no experience of using it at home very early on as I went to hospital as soon as my contractions were felt (that turned out to be 6cm dilation ) and there onwards I used the TENS(2hours).Still,I regret I was not cool enough to use it before leaving home and while in the car,because I feel it would have made me calm down and consentrate my throughts,perhaps preventing the epidural I did on 8cm dialation out of fear.
Its very usefull with gas and air and whats nice about it is that you can take off if you find it unsuitable.
I live abroad now and they dont have it so I will buy one for baby n2

@zimbah: I believe you can use it while being fully monitored on a CTG.I know I did but I was in a big London hospital in private unit so check with your doctor.