I think its starting - should I get my tens machine on now?

[ohnelly]

Hi im 40+5 with DS2. I had a sweep this morning and have got a dull ache like period pains and have had a bit of a bloody show. My belly keeps going tight too. Its not too painfull at the moment and doesnt feel like contractons. Would I be having these pains if not starting? Should I get my tens on now or wait? Any advice appreciated thanks

ooh how exciting.

If I were you I wouldn't put the tens on until you feel you need distracting from the pain.

Wait.
Have a lovely warm bath and relax if you can. Once you put the tens machine on you won't be able to bath or shower so wait until your contractions are regular and starting to become painful.
Don't worry, you'll be fine. How exciting!

doesn't hurt to pop it on good and early while you can still do so relatively comfortably

have a wee play but as fruitshoots says keep it for when you really need distracting!

i used TENS 3 times and really liked it.

Good luck! How exciting...

Ok im waiting a little bit longer - one minute I think yes something is definatley happening then im not sure! Midwife said I was 2cm when did sweep today

ohnelly Can I just say that in order for tens to be fully effective you need to put it on sooner rather than later if you are sure you are in labour. If you wait until it is painful then the tens won't be able to catch up with your natural painkillers.

Tens works by working in harmony with your natural painkillers.

Good luck.Wishing you a smooth labour.

put in on when you are sure you are in labour.

Agree with CravingCroissants, if you can have a lovely relaxing bath & wait until you feel like these are regular period type pains.

I used a tens for all 3 of my labours and think they are bloody marvellous things. I also had a tiny glass of champagne when it started to celebrate!

Very best wishes to you!!

Ooooh exciting.

Yes to TENS early, but not too early to be restricting.

Absolutely make sure that you practise your breathing, TENS, moving etc whilst it isn't too painful so that you are on automatic when it matters and don't have to think too hard, and also your 'supporters' have had a practise on what you need. Don't wait until you are finding things very intense to explain to your DP that you'd quite like some pressure on your back etc.

AND, - really really DO practise breathing.

It was it!! I am now at home with a 4 day old little boy. I put the Tens on when I knew I was definately in Labour & found it very good during early stages. My labour went very quickly & I ended up having an epidural as the contractions were coming so quick & strong so I had to take it off then anyway. Thanks for advice

congratulations!

well done

Welcome to your little ds

Congratulations!