Tens machine

[KHR1]

Anyone who's used a tens machine, what did you think of it? Was it helpful? Would you use it again?

I didnt use one for my last labour but wondering if its worth buying/hiring one this time or no. TIA

I had one for my first labour - I found it annoyed me more than anything else tbh, think I had it on up to about 6cm then it got thrown away lol

Everyone is different though, anything is worth a try in labour!

I bought one, my midwives all speak highly of them so I figured it was worth a shot for around £45 on amazon. Also ordered an Aniball based on very high praise from my midwife. I'd really like a natural birth so I'm willing to try anything that might help.

I had one for my first. I didn't particularly enjoy the sensation, but it definitely helped manage the pain in the early stages (but the pool was much better, once that was an option).

I can't recommend it enough, worked so well for me. Didn't get me through the whole labour but was great for the majority.

Used in both labours, it absolutely took the edge off for me and needed nothing else

I used a TENS machine during each of my 4 labours, with no other pain relief. I think they are brilliant. It meant that I was ready for visitors straight away after the births as I didn't have any adverse side effects, just euphoria that I'd had another lovely baby

I use a TENs machine every month for period pain that is as strong as labour pain and yes I have been through labour. I have endometriosis so my period pain can be severe. I have found it an incredible device, really helps reduce the pain level down.

Some people hate them and cannot get on with them. The best advice I can give is choose one with a cover that goes over the dials if you choose a manual one, you do not want to accidentally turn it either up or down or choose a button push one with a locking facility. I have used both types. Mine are MediFit.

Hire one in case you hate it

It was un early on when i didn’t really need it, then it was irritating and was hurled across the room. Entonox was better fun.

No, waste of time.

I bought one from Boots and found it really useful because my early labour stage lasted 3 days at home and was really quite painful so aside from Paracetamol I was glad to have something else to use! You need to get it on early and build up the intensity as your contractions get stronger. The first time I tried it on the lowest setting I didn't like the sensation, but by the end I had it on full power 🤣 I didn't really realise how much it was helping me until I took it off for a bath on day 3!! It helped me cope until I got admitted to hospital and then once I was on gas and air I didn't need it anymore. Will definitely use it for my next baby!

Thanks for all the replies!

What do the pulses from the tens feel like?

That is difficult to describe! Could you ask to try one at an ante natal appointment?

They feel a bit like pins and needles. The tens machine freaked me out and triggered a panic attack, but I do suffer with them anyway.

The hospital gave me the one to use so it's worth asking them if you'd like to borrow one.

Thanks @cheapskatemum I'll ask my midwife later this week!

@girlmom21 I do worry that if it's an odd sensation it could do put my anxiety up - I'm also prone to panic attacks. Definitely going to see about brrowinf or testing one now as it seems such a waste to buy one and not like it, but would be nice to use if it seems like it would be helpful