Tens Machine - to use or not?

[ButteryJam]

Hi,

What's the verdict and your experience of using a Tens Machine?

Does it:

a. Work
b. Slow down labour/affect natural release of chemicals?

Well, they worked for me- 3 drug free labours at home.

But not everyone gets on with them and they don't help everyone.

Guess, like most things, you give it a try and see how you feel about it.

I borrowed one with my 3dds and it was brilliant it kept me at home longer than I thought I could stay and was a good pain relief at home I'm going to hire one this time definitely

I used one with both labours. Found it mire useful second time when I felt more in control.Definitely helps with the contractions although I can't really explain why iynwim.
I've never heard it can slow labour but mine were 24hrs & 5 hrs.

Found it a huge help first time round and will be using one again with DC2. I would recommend borrowing one if you can but if not hire, it may make the world of difference to you and if not, take it off and don't use it.

For me it was more a welcome distraction and nice sensation than about actual pain relief. Having said that I'm planning on using my TENS for this pregnancy as well.

Thanks everyone! Better test the one I've been given to borrow

Worked for me - got to 8cms just on the TENS with DC1 before asking for any pain relief and had completely drug free labour at home with DC2. I do know others who found it useless though so my advice would be to try it and fingers crossed it will work for you!