Is a TENS worth it?

[PoultryInMotion]

I'm considering hiring a TENS machine for my labour and wondered if people could share their experiences of it? This is my second (and last) child. In my labour with DD, all my pain was felt very low down near my pubic bone, no pain anywhere else, which is making me wonder, if I was to have the same experience again would it actually work for me, or is it better for people who feel labour in their back?

I had no pain relief at home last time and didn't particularly enjoy it and just wondered if this would help? Also with it being my second, does anyone know if they work on afterpains?

[Kayzr]

I used a TENS for both labours and it was brilliant. I'd certainly recommend them to everyone.

[Franchini]

YES, YES, YES! I had one and got to 9cm at home (1st baby). Managed on TENS alone until had to have a spinal (14hrs) due to baby being stuck. Definately worth it and really does help to block the pain. Also learn good breathing and you will be fine!

[ebbandflow]

Yes-I would say so, I used mine for induction. I got to water's breaking and 5cms dilated before using other form of pain relief.

[alana39]

Yes, used them for all 3 to varying degrees. Also fantastic for back pain when no pregnant. But do get one with controls that can't be easily knocked as I accidentally turned it up to the max at one point and thought I was going to die!

[lookout]

Used one my second labour. I would recommend it but tbh more as a distraction than actual relief from any pain. My labour was super quick though, so it might work better on a longer labour with slower first stage. I appreciated having control over something, even if it was only the pathetic push of a button! It also served as a useful sign to dh that a contraction had started . All the best!

[Kaekae]

I hired one for the birth of my first child. I didn't get on with it at all, it just made me more irritated, just felt like another pain to deal with. I didn't bother getting one second time round. They are quite cheap to hire out or buy from ebay. I guess it is worth trying as I know friends who thought theirs were a great help.

[Snowbeetle]

just to mention - if you do use it have a look at instructions before you go into labour. DH was looking at instructions and fitting it to my back for me while I was in labour - was hilarious - gave us something to laugh at which was interesting when contraction came... HahahahaaaheeeheheheeUUNNNNGHHHhhh......

[Hardgoing]

I managed to get to 9cm at home (without the midwife noticing I actually was in labour) and it was utterly crap. It didn't make any difference to the pain and it tingled in a way that I found really unpleasant.

It's great that it worked for so many people, though, and on that basis, I would hire one, practice with it and see if it works for you, I simply don't think you can know til the time comes.

[Doozie]

Yes, definitely worth having one on hand. I also rented one from Boots. I know some women don't find them at all helpful but it is all I used for DC2. I would say it just about took the edge off and pyschologically I think it had a bit of a placebo affect. Although I didn't get to use it a full pelt as I was pacing myself. I had no idea how long I had to go as the lovely but ineffectual MW wouldn't check my cervix. By the time DH finally tracked down a mw who would it was time to jump in the birthing pool and push baby out. Now a water birth that is something I would highly recommend. Good luck with the birth.

[Teladi]

rosebery - not sure if you will come back to this thread or not now, but I got told the TENS would interfere with the foetal monitoring equipment. I feel a bit hard done by now.

[lookout]

Teladi I had CFM too and used a TENS. Your hospital are naughty naughty. It does not interfere at all except that the wires get muddled up sometimes. I feel and for you!

[rosebery]

Hi teladi. Seeing as lookout could also use tens, it does seem that someone didn't know what they were talking about in your case!

None if the mw's batted an eyelid when I said I wanted to use it - they even put it on for me, and then put the cfm in place.

Feel very annoyed for you.

[rosebery]

Just googled the use of tens and cfm at same time. To be fair, it does seem that the jury is out on whether tens affects cfm. If it does, then the effect is probably negligible. Perhaps this explains why different hospitals have different policies on it??

[donnakebabnew]

Hired my from Babytens i would definately recommend them. I used mine right up to the pushing stage and would not have got though with out it.

[AC786]

I hired mine from boots and felt that it was really helpful, particularly at home! I would go for it!!!