Tens machine

[expectingno2soon]

Has anyone used a tens machine for labour? Can you recommend one.

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MNHQ Update
This is an old thread, but if you've landed here while on the hunt for similar recommendations, our guide to the best TENS machine has been recently updated. It includes a wide range of options – including devices you can hire as well as purchase – and has been compiled based on the recommendations of Mumsnetters as well as maternity experts. We hope it's helpful!

Yes I did and will be using it again. Unfortunately I've just got into bed and it's packed in my hospital bag but I've watched this thread so can post what make it is tomorrow.

Yes I did and will be using it again. Unfortunately I've just got into bed(currently 38 weeks pregnant so a bit of a mission to get in and out 😂) and it's packed in my hospital bag but I've watched this thread so can post what make it is tomorrow.

Yes. It really helped me in the beginning of labour.

Whether it provided pain relief or just a distraction I'm not sure, but it was good and I would have it again.

I bought it 2nd hand off eBay and just purchased new pads.

I think Boots rent them out

Yes! I hired one from boots. I’d recommend it.
I just had that and gas and air for my last baby. I didn’t think it was doing much so I tried a contraction without it😂 didn’t do it again.
I’ll use one again.
Make sure the one you get has a boost function.

Can't remember which one I got, but it was rented from boots and had the option to track contractions etc through it so was middle of the range I think.

It was invaluable for me in the first 3 days of labour, and I was sceptical beforehand.

I remember trying out the settings before labour and thinking how bloody strong and uncomfortable it would be on the higher settings, then during contractions going over and above that without really noticing lol.

I used a TENS machine which I hired from a chemist for labour 22 years ago. The midwives were horrified when I started screaming and flailing my arms around when I should have been concentrating on pushing. I couldn't get a coherent word out - I had accidentally moved and whacked the damn thing up to maximum strength and I was basically electrocuting myself!! The pain from that was far worse than labour pains! I admit I got another one for my next birth a couple of years later but it was during a ridiculously hot August and the pads wouldn't stay on because I was sweating so much 😂 Funnily enough I own my own now because I have chronic back pain and it does help. I just try not to move much when it's on 🤣

I've got the Elle Tens one and can recommend it for the early stages of labour. I wanted it off me pretty quickly once I was in the delivery room but it was a welcome distraction up to that point. I got mine second hand from gumtree for £20 and I've let a few friends borrow it for their labours too.

User with all three of mine - put it on at home in the very early stages of labour and used with gas and air when I went into the hospital.
I thought it was really useful - even if it was just a distraction.
As I got to the point where I was nearly ready to push I found it incredibly irritating and barked at my husband to take it off me as it was 'bloody useless ' 😂