TENS in labour

[Bellyrub1980]

Hiya,

I have an ordinary Tens machine (for back pain) and I didn't really question the fact that I might not be able to also use it in labour.

I have been googling the settings I need to put it on and I can't find any advice on this. All the advice says you need one specifically for labour because they have a fancy boost button.

I was feeling quite smug for already owning one, but now I'm scared to use it! Could it be dangerous??!

I've also left it a little bit too late to hire a one... I'm 40+1.

Anyone used an ordinary TENS in labour with good effect?

I'm in the same boat, thought a normal back pain one would be ok but after readin, realise it isn't... I've hired a labour one from Boots.... You can order online and get next day delivery...

I didn't find Tens machine to be any help to be honest. Not bothering this time. I rented one from Boots last time so was a labour one. Are you sure you can't use standard one? I thought labour one just a bit stronger?

Well I really loved mine both times but it was a labour one.
All I can say is that a normal one might be better than none at all!

Ended up phong the midwife who said you can use ordinary ones, but they may not be as effective as no instant boost button, but in my situation it's better than nothing. And like a pp said, some women don't get any relief from it anyway.

The boost button on mine was definitely the best thing about it, mainly because the extra shock distracted me from the pain of the contraction (well, for the first 24 hours or so. The next 24 hours there was absolutely nothing that could distract me!).