TENS and induction

[redsally]

I'm booked on for an induction on Thursday. I've never used a TENS machine before, but I have read that it takes a number of hours use for it to build up to working properly.

Should I put it on before I go for the induction so it gets a chance to get going beforehand ? Or is there a problemw ith using it before I'm actually in labour ?

I found it really effective by putting it a couple of hours after the pessary, once small contractions showed on the monitor, but before I was really aware of them.

bump

I wasn't induced with my first but did find the TENS machine incredibly helpful in the early stages of labour and it really helped take the edge off contractions. Just have a bit of a practice with it so you feel confident that you can crank it up a bit when needed! Good luck!

I used mine once I could feel the contractions getting going. Don't be fobbed off like I was - Dr told me that I couldn't use it while being monitored - next shift Dr had a fit and I carried on with TENS.

Redsally, thanks for raising this - I was going to ask the exact same question. I have GD and so will be induced aswell as being linked up to an Insulin drip, so was hoping I could still use the TENS machine and avoid G&A and then just have an epidural when the time was right....

From the advice you've been given, I'll go and buy one now!!