Who has NOT used a TENS machine for labour?

[Takenoprisoners]

Hi - I'm 32 weeks with my second pregnancy, and the first time, I hired a TENS, on the grounds that it would probably be helpful and safe, non-medicalised pain relief. They seem to be so ubiquitous and a standard, first port of call when in labour.

However, I didn't find it helpful at all really - just vaguely annoying & am wondering if it is a good idea to go through hooking myself up to electrical currents again. The thought of that is starting to bother me. But then again, if I don't hire one, will I end up regretting it ...? Argghh, such decisions!

Has anyone thought similar, and won't be using one for labour, or for a first labour has decided it's definitely not for you? I'd love to know what you think.

I didn't choose the tens machine - I was introduced to it by sadistic MW who demonstrated it's current between my fingers and it was like an electric fence!!
Perhaps some people are just more sensitive to the current?

basically tens is like taking a asprin if you've discolated your shoulder..doesn't work

hmmm - yes, something a bloke might think would get you through the 'discomfort' of childbirth

exactly

i recommend an epidural!

right... must go to bed as it's nearly a quater to three!!!!

goodnight all

night!

I found the TENS really helped me. I went in to labour in hospital and the midwife applied it for me after 6 hours in labour and I was so annoyed the 1st midwife and discouraged me using it. I was gutted when I pulled out the lead from one of the pads accidentially when I was trying to get some sleep (after 14 hours). My poor Mum was sent on a mission to find pads she came back with 4 different ones and none were the right ones so my wonderful DH tried to make one up (he's an electrical engineer so knew what he was doing) by the time he'd done I discovered gas and air and didn't want the tens machine anymore!!! I'd definately use it again. I did find the machine distracted me during contractions but I noticed the difference without it. Hopefully next time I'll be able to be more active and can manage without anything!!

never the thought of anything touching me in labour. No way. I even ripped the monitor off!
use tens for nerve pain due to spd and its good

I hired one first time round but went into labour in the antenatal ward, with the machine safe at home with dp!! By the time he arrived I'd been managing for a while anyway and it wasn't long before ds1 was born. I didn't bother with any pain relief for ds2's birth and hopefully won't need any this time round either.

I tried it but found it annoying too.

I tried it but found it annoying too.