Can I use a TENS machine for sciatica before 37 weeks?

[Bellasblankexpression]

Got horrendous sciatica in my bum and have heard that a tens machine really helps. When I looked them up they all say pregnant women can’t use them before 37 weeks on their back because it can cause early labour, but does anyone know if you can use them elsewhere (ie just on the bum cheek!) before then? I can’t find any clear info and am desperate to find something to relieve the pain so I can get about again.

It's not advised. Maybe try a hot water bottle instead.

I did! My physio said it was fine, used it on bum and legs from about 24-32 weeks

Thanks both. I am seeing a physio so I’ll ask when I see them. Hot water bottle doesn’t touch it.
Did it help @ELM8?

I also had this and the hospital antenatal physio said it was fine to try TENS. It didn't help me though, it made it feel worse. But lots of people find it very helpful so it's worth a try!

Well now I am annoyed I was told not to! I know what I am doing tonight! An exciting Friday night on the sofa just me and my tens machine.

Haha @spanglebangle
Oh that’s not good if it made it worse! I was hoping it would be a magic relief bringing cure

I went camping at 32 weeks strapped to a TENS machine!!
Couldn't have managed without it!!

Where did you use it @winterdaysarehere?

Lower back. Mw loaned me it from the local hospital for free. Used it during a previous labour with success.
Dc were very amused when a goat tried to nibble the hanging wire!! Were worried I would be electrocuted!!
She gave no indication it was unsuitable to use wherever I needed the pads sticking.

@Bellasblankexpression yes it certainly did help couldn't have done without it! I think the key thing is not to use it on your back at your stage of pregnancy!

Thanks for advice, I’m going to give it a go I think. The sciatica is causing me so many problems I pretty much can’t leave the house at the moment so willing to try anything!

I’ve just been using it on my bum and so far it seems to help when it’s on but not so much once I take it off :-/ so not quite the magic cure I was hoping for but maybe it takes a few goes? I HAVE had it on for quite a while on and off...

Physio I saw that specialises in PGP said tens machines are absolutely fine to use anywhere but I think there was a limit for how strong to have it on which I can’t remmwwbr I’m afraid!

I’ve been using it no higher than 4 out of 10 as I figured that would be relatively low but still enough to feel an affect