Tens michine?!?

[Embracethechaos]

Hi, I'm 31 weeks pregnant with my first child and just found out about a tens michine, just mentioned off hand in a what to pack in your hospital bag article. I'm staring my nct course next weekend so I'll be able to discus then. I understand that way it works, stimulating the nerve endings. But does it actually help? I am a healthcare professional and it seems like it might just numb the skin and not much deeper around pads. Saying that, I found though cooling strips for migranes really effective for numbing pain so maybe tens michine is simular for the lower back? What has people experience been? Do they often have them in birth centres or maternity wards or isn't something to buy yourself.

Yes many years ago I used it with both of mine. It was fantastic both times. Meant that I gave birth with just tens and gas and air at the end in both cases.

But you have to be quite aware of you body and your pain levels as to have to set the tens just right to feel the benefit and you can use them with a water birth.

I hired quite a swish one (not the basicmodel) in both cases. Although had i been more planned in having two on the trot Id have done better.

To buy! Done much better to buy it not Hire it!

I used one during both labours and it was fabulous! It’s very useful in the early stages.
Bought one from boots second time for £40 and OH uses it now to relieve back pain.

I used one both times. First time I don’t think I really used it correctly, second time
I felt it helped. The key is to put it on very early in labour and then increase the levels as the contractions ramp up. I’m not sure how I would have done without it, but if anything it gave me something to concentrate on as each contraction started. I only took it off for the last 15 mins as I got in the pool. Although I think in terms of relief the pool helped more than the tens.

I used one for 2 labours and thought it helped me. Gave me a focus! Needed no other pain relief though could have done with every drug going when removed it for last bit of labour.
Like the others say the earlier you use it in labour the better.

And I found invaluable when I had a back injury.

I reckon it's worth a go.

Thanks everyone, sounds like a good investment then. I've joined the parenting boots club and am getting quite into deals and pregnancy and baby stuff now I'm off work, but trying not to overbuy. I am keen on a waterbirth so I'll be sure to ask that drug free pain relief is included in my nct course (I'm on new meds that cause drowsiness so I also need to talk to my obstiatrician too as I probably am limited to the types of medical pain relief I can use). Feel like it's all go now I've hit the 30 week mark, need to get started on that birth plan soon.

I used one so I could stay at home as long as possible before going into hospital. You don’t necessarily have to buy one though, you can rent them from most hospitals

Hi @embracethechaos I used it with first and found it brilliant in the early stages. I used it early and I really believe that is what helped me stay at home so long. By the time it was useless and I went in for gas and air, I was almost fully dialated and DD arrived 3 hours later. Obviously doesn’t take the pain away but really helped me to deal with it for a good 7 hours. Will definitely be using one again this time

Another thumbs up from me - helped in early labour. Hired one online for a great price, then you just post it back.

I loved mine. But of course they're not for everyone. I got mine from mothercare. I knew I'd be having another baby in the future so it made sense to buy it.

I had an Elle tens machine during my labour and it made a huge difference.

Two or three friends borrowed it (you can buy new pads) and then I sold it for a good price on EBay.

Well worth the money in my opinion.

Yeah I used one with all 3. First I went in the pool too, second and third I had gas and air. I found it very helpful to dull the contractions a bit and give me something to focus on. I managed 12 hours at home with my first using it and baths. Other two came much quicker but I put it on from first contraction.

It helped me with my back labour! I managed hours of contractions with just it (I was refusing gas and air saying it didn't work)

Yes, I used one. Worth a go for sure. It was on full blast by the end and I couldn't even feel it.
I found the gas and air fantastic.

I had one, it was amazing, definitely recommend. I hired one as I was only going to use it for the one occasion, didn't want one hanging around. Remember that you can't use one in water though, so take it off before you get in the pool if you do end up having a water birth.

Oh, and get your birth partner to read the instructions well before you go into labour. My DH had the whole thing figured out so he could stick the pads in the right place. He clearly did it right, as it was really helpful. Obviously work out how to use it yourself too!

I used one I picked up off eBay pretty cheap. I made it to 8cm at home with that and a couple of paracetamol so I'd definitely use it again!

I bought one for my 1st pregnancy but absolutely hated it and same for my second. It really annoyed me and I couldn't wait to rip it off! It has since been passed round several friends though who mostly got on with it pretty well so I guess I'm the exception. I'm now pregnant with DC3 and not going to bother but a friend of mine due soon has happily taken it off my hands.