tens machiene's, do they actually work??

[sleepyhead1234]

just that really! i suffer a bad back and pgp and was told tens may help now and in labour but wanted to hear if they work?

Yes, I found TENS great, for a very long labour with DD1 and v short with DD2.

But you need to put it on at the first twinge of any contractions so it can build up and make a difference. No idea about using it pre-labour for back pain, ask your GP for advice about how/when to use as I guess the positioning etc will be different.

Yes! I hired one for my first labour (induced) and it made a massive difference. Hired one for my second labour and used it till I got into the pool.

Mine did sod all for pain, playing with the settings did provide a distraction during my early contractions.

I've used a TENS machine with both DCs - DD1 it was great, the combination of pain relief/distraction/feeling of having something to do really helped during 18hrs of labour. DH took over pressing the boost button for a while - he was great at pressing the button promptly but often forgot to turn the boost off again after the contraction passed, and it worked noticeably better when I took it off him again...

With DD2 it worked brilliantly to begin with and then suddenly stopped in the car on the way to hospital - I swore at it lots and got DH to take it off me once we got to hospital, at which point he realised that one of the electrodes had detached from the pad. It was too late to faff around reconnecting it -DD2 was born less than 30 mins later.

DC3 due in 4 wks time and I will be using it again... with new electrodes of course! (If I get enough warning this time )

I loved my tens machine. Have just sorted my hire for number 2.

I used a TENS in both my labours and it was brilliant. First time, I used it at home until I got to hospital (6cm) and jumped in the pool; second time I used it until pushing then switched to gas and air.

I used it both times and thought it was great. Got to 10 cm with just TENS, then used gas and air.

I had an EMCS, so don't know if it would have helped me to the end, but I definitely found it a great help. I put it on when the contractions were still bearable, but getting pretty strong, because I was mindful that the instructions said it might take a while to build up. I'll definitely be getting one if there's a baby number 2.