Can I use a TENS machine on the way to hospital?

[schroedingersdodo]

I'm buying a TENS machine, but since I'm planning on using the birth pool in the hospital, I think it would be more useful at home, before going to hospital - and on the way there (hated having contractions in the taxi last time!).

I've never used one - is it possible to use it with clothes on, or only naked / in underwear?

(Is it a very stupid question? )

Definitely you can use it on the way to hospital. You should put it on asap at home because it takes time to encourage your endorphins to kick in and to work properly. You can clip it on and walk around throughout. HTH.

Yes, been there, done it, tis possible!

Agree with everything trickynicky said! Don't forget to have a look at how it works etc before you actually need it (sorry if that is stating the obvious,its just I nearly didnt!).

That's great news, thanks for your comments Looks like I'll have some distraction on the way, at least :)

(lovethesun, I'll try it when it arrives. During DS1 labour I was so out of it during the whole thing I couldn't figure out how to speak, let alone learn how to operate a TENS machine. At least this time I won't expect anything from my brain once labour starts)

Yep, I did. In the dark, pretty sure I had it on totally the wrong settings but it distracted me well!

Make sure you test it a couple of weeks before your due date, so you know how it works and check all the pads etc are working properly.

Make sure you test it a couple of weeks before your due date, so you know how it works and check all the pads etc are working properly.

Yes used the tens machine under my clothes for three days of false labour, it worked a treat! It stayed on for hours in hospital and only came off for the birthing pool...

Checking all pads are working. Good tip.

Thanks, think I'll order it right now :)