Talk to me about tens machines

[PickettBowtruckles]

We’ve been shown them in antenatal classes. I’m not totally convinced about how useful they’ll be, but it is reasonably cheap to hire one for a 6 week period so thinking I’ll get one and hope for the best.

Has anyone used one in labour though and can give me some tips? Equally did anyone use one and hate it? I’m about a month away from my due date and trying to prepare myself as much as I can.

They do help, but its still going to hurt .

I used one with both dds, and then used one again when suffering gallstones (similar pain to labour) and would say they do give some relief. Just make sure you and dp are familiar with controls and practice to avoid getting zapped when you want a gentle tingle!

Hiring my TENS saved my sanity! I had a very long latent back to back labour and would have struggled without it when I was at home.

It stopped making much difference when the contractions got too intense but it helped loads when I had to sit down in the car to drive to the hospital. Would definitely recommend, even if you just hire one and don’t use it.

I had one for my first 2 labours and needed no other pain relief, they were relatively quick labours too.
I didn't have one for my 3rd and it was much more painful and took nearly 24 hours.
You have to make sure to put it on at the first sign of labour though and not wait until the pain is too much as the pain relief effects build up over time.
If it's cheap enough to hire then I think it's worth trying.

These are great positive stories to hear, thank you!

I have heard they need to be used at the first signs of labour so will definitely familiarise myself with it ready to go as soon as I think I need it. You’ve definitely convinced me it’s worth a go, I can hire one that comes with the pads etc for around £25 for a 6 week hire period which I don’t think is too bad, even if it just provides a little relief. First time Mum labour fear is kicking in so really open to considering anything that might help!

Great in early labour, got to about 5cm then suddenly found it really annoying and was ripping it off!

I used one for my second labour.
Found it great and would definitely use again if I go on to have any more babies.

I used one and it was helpful for about the first two hours of labour then I had to upgrade to proper pain relief. I was induced though so the pain was insane as I had the drip! I hired mine off ebay so it was really cheap and easy to return afterwards etc.

I hired an elle tens machine last time for about £23 for 7 weeks. I ended up being induced and was in a fair bit of pain before I was transferred to a delivery suite and the tens machine helped enormously. I was being refused pain relief at the time because I wasn’t dilated enough to leave the induction suite and I don’t know what I would have done without the tens machine!

I’m now expecting my second baby next week and have hired another one which I will definitely be using.

I have an Elle one that I didn’t end up really using (I tried it out very briefly so not totally unused) but if anyone thinks they could make any use of it, please pm me. (Are there PMs on here? I don’t even know!)