Tens Machines

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Are they worth it?

Just a few weeks left for me and starting to pack my hospital bag and a lot mention tens machines. Have looked into them and they sound good for early labour, but do they actually work/make a difference or are they a waste of money?!

Totally worth it. The first two days of labour (with no sleep) were quite bearable. But the third going on fourth day, I needed more. It was the lack of sleep that really made it difficult. The tens machine really made a huge difference to me.

The one drawback is not being able to use it in water (pool/bath).

Another vote for them here.

I think you can hire them (I borrowed one) though to save buying one.

I couldn't see the point of it. But it was 20 years ago and they might have improved since then

I liked the distraction it gave from the contractions, it kind of spread the pain out around my body if that makes sense.
Though, it gradually got leas effective and I didn't realise the batteries had ran out, so bare that in mind if you do get one!

The hospital strapped one to me when I arrived - and forgot to take it off before I was in stirrups for forceps 😂 either way, I loved it and would use one again. Great distraction from it all.

I used mine a lot. In both labours there came a point when I suddenly had to be free of it and was yelling at DH to rip the pads off. But got me to fully dilated and starting to push with just that gas and air and was great being able to control it with the boost button.

I started off thinking it was great. But by the time I was 5cm dilated I was having to turn it up so much that it was really annoying.

I’ve bought one from boots specially for maternity as not all are. Heard good things from friends.

I LOVED mine. I only realised just how effective it was when I had to take it off briefly having used it for several hours.

I loved my TENS machine. It really helped with labour until I got into the birth pool. I would definitely use it again.

Do you know anyone with one to try? As soon as I felt it I knew I liked the sensation - (my midwife had one I tried in advance). I’ve heard of people who don’t like the sensation so you can only really know by trying.

Would it work if you are having an induction?

Definitely worth getting one! Also works just as well when being induced (I was and it was a lifesaver). Similar to other people, when my labour progressed quite far I was shouting at my hubby to get it off me 🙈 but it’s great to get you through the early stages of labour!

I loved mine, used it from early stages at home and kept it on to the end. Wanted to murder the midwife when she said I should take it off cause it “wouldn’t be doing much now”

Thanks all think I'll invest In one then!

Any recommendations for specific ones that are good?

A friend lent me hers for each of my labours and I loved it. Hers was a Boots one: www.boots.com/boots-tens-maternity-unit-10185535

I bought
www.boots.com/boots-tens-maternity-unit-10185535

I hired this one from this website and it was great!

birthease.co.uk/product/elle-tens-hire/

Mine is the Elle Tens Babycare