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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Is a Tens machine worth it? & When did you go into Labour with 1st baby

44 replies

Anonymousm · 04/10/2023 10:20

Hi everyone, I’m 33 weeks today and starting to think about labour more. I’m hoping to give birth in MLU so not many pain killer options to choose from. Ideally I’d like to stay at home for as long as I can then make way to the unit and have a water birth. I haven’t really given birth plans much thought because I know more often than not they don’t go to plan and things change, I’m pretty open minded really and want to just go with the flow.

Are tens units helpful? What worked for you? Im also abit anxious about throwing up, I have a phobia of sick and somehow managed to dodge it in the early stages although I did feel sick, anyone take peppermint oil? And lastly when did you go into labour with your first, I’m hearing usually their late and others say early! When should I pack my bags? I’m thinking 36 weeks!

OP posts:
CosilyRosily · 04/10/2023 10:42

I found the tens machine helpful in both labours - if nothing else, it feels like you're doing something useful when a contraction comes on (you press the button!). My understanding is that the earlier you get it on, the more efficacious it is. Good luck!

suz2285 · 04/10/2023 10:49

@Anonymousm you sound like me, this is my first and wanting to be in the MLU, but not many options for painkillers etc either! I was in triage last weekend and I hated it, i have emetophobia and the noises and sounds were really triggering - i'll spare you the details! Its got me worried a bit though, i'm planning to write that i'm emetophobic on my birth plan and ask for anti nausea meds as well - esp if I end up having to have other interventions/meds

I'm hoping to go into labour naturally but who knows right!? I was planning to pack my bag around week 36 as well, before Christmas, so that I can try and relax over Christmas time! 😂I'm a few weeks behind you!

donkra · 04/10/2023 10:50

I used TENS for both labours for a long time and found it very useful.

The average duration for a first time pregnancy is 40+5, so most people go over somewhat.

Original poster
Anonymousm · 04/10/2023 10:52

From what I’ve read that’s the key to it being effective using it asap! Now I’m getting period like pain and back ache hoping it’s just everything shifting and stretching preparing! Thanks for letting me know your thoughts ☺️

OP posts:
YouveGotAFastCar · 04/10/2023 10:57

I was never sick. I wasn't sick in the early days of pregnancy and I wasn't sick during labour. I don't think it's massively common; so I'd try not to worry about that.
It's hard, but go with the flow. I thought I was but I was actually making lots of little plans in my head and it is much hader if it doesn't go your way, then.

It's an incredible thing.

Original poster
Anonymousm · 04/10/2023 10:57

@suz2285
I’ve not actually even discussed it yet, according to badger notes it’s 34 week appointment they’re meant to discuss birth plans! I’m the same as you I ended up with severe chest pain in A&E and it was horrific really made me not want to go into a bigger hospital! The place I’m wanting to go is a small stand alone unit with 3 birthing rooms it looks really calm, dark rooms, twinkly lights, birthing pools your own bathroom/large bed etc. I think the best thing is for me is just to hold out at home though as that’s where I’m most comfortable!

I think I’ll mention the sick phobia thing though and see what they can do. Funnily enough I’m not bothered about pooing 😆😂

Good luck 🤞

OP posts:
TheBirdintheCave · 04/10/2023 10:59

I loved mine. Pressing the button made me feel like I was a bit more in control of my contractions if that made sense. It ended up on for the entire labour as I forgot to take if off once we got to the hospital 😂

Original poster
Anonymousm · 04/10/2023 10:59

@donkra

I think I might just get one, it won’t make things worse anyway so I guess it’s worth a try and it might help me stay at home longer!

I don’t think I want inducing so hopefully he comes before it comes to that!

OP posts:
WaltzingWaters · 04/10/2023 11:02

I had a very long labour and the TENS machine was really helpful for the first 24 or so hours of it until I needed stronger relief. So I’d say yes, very much worth it.

Original poster
Anonymousm · 04/10/2023 11:03

@YouveGotAFastCar

Thats good to know, I Don’t think my mum was sick actually with us both so I’m hoping I’m the same. I have been in agony before to the point I was heaving (I don’t know what caused that possibly gallbladder pain a couple of years ago).

Im like you I think sometimes I can overthink and make it seem harder than it is, so I think trying to keep calm will be the key!

OP posts:
WhatHappenedinLondon · 04/10/2023 11:04

There’s a good second hand market for TENS machines, you should be able to get one for about £20 and sell it after so you’ve got nothing to lose if you don’t like/need it. I used mine for several hours until I got in the pool with my first baby. Second baby there wasn’t enough time to think about putting it on, too fast!

Both my babies arrived the day after their due date. I’ve never been sick in pregnancy or labour.

It’s never really too early to pack the bag? 35-36 weeks is about right.

Hope it all goes smoothly for you.

PurpleBananaSmoothie · 04/10/2023 11:05

It was the only pain relief I had access to for quite a bit of labour. I didn’t use the pulse setting, just used the normal setting. It was fine until I got to the pushing stage when it really irritated me and got thrown across the room.

I had an induction which was fine. Not all inductions are bad if you get to that stage. I was sick throughout labour but nobody else I know was, so I don’t think it’s that common.

Bramblecrumble22 · 04/10/2023 11:08

Tens machine, yes. I did vomit in both my Labours. First time as my daughter was placed on my chest. Second time was during pushing, which does help progress. First time I had an epidural and wandered if that was why partly. Second time I'd eaten a lot of chocolate.
I didn't have much morning sickness at all.

annlee3817 · 04/10/2023 11:13

I bought one.l, but completely forgot to use it. Went into labour at 40+5 and it was quite quick. Re the sickness, I was sick throughout the pushing stage, but I learned afterwards that you can request an anti sickness injection. In my second labour which was an induction I wasn't sick at all which surprised me

flightless55 · 04/10/2023 11:15

I used one for first labour and it distracted me a little bit (wouldn't say it took all the pain away but I had back labour)

I'd recommend hiring the machine rather than buying which you've just reminded me I need to sort out as im 36+4 :)

jolaylasofia · 04/10/2023 12:03

tens units are a massive faff and only useful when in very early labour when you have complete control and patience to deal with them

donkra · 04/10/2023 12:40

jolaylasofia · 04/10/2023 12:03

tens units are a massive faff and only useful when in very early labour when you have complete control and patience to deal with them

Not my experience. I didn't put mine on in my second labour until I'd been on a hardcore syntocin drip for several hours and there was instant relief. In fact, I thought a magic soothing hand had been put on my back (endorphins make you a bit altered...)

With my first labour, TENS alone got me to nearly 8cm when I got in the birthing pool.

shivawn · 04/10/2023 12:45

jolaylasofia · 04/10/2023 12:03

tens units are a massive faff and only useful when in very early labour when you have complete control and patience to deal with them

I felt the same way about mine, I think it gave me a sense of control at the beginning but very quickly became an extra thing to worry about (even though my husband took charge of operating it). I don't think I'll bother with one this time around.

It does seem like they're very helpful for most posters here though so I'd definitely give it a try OP.

MarshmallowsOnToast · 04/10/2023 12:45

I rented one.

In the end I was induced so contractions started very thick and fast, no slow build up. I had a fast labour.

I think the key with TENS is to start early and slowly build up which I couldn't do so found it next to useless.

GeorgeBeckett · 04/10/2023 12:49

I thought the TENS was useful with DC1. I presumed it was going to be shit but it actually did really help. Used it at home, had a bath when it stopped being helpful, put it back on afterwards. Went in at DHs insistence, Hospital said not yet. Was 10cm and pushing on arrival. Had baby in triage. On due date.

TENS was rubbish with DC2 but I think probably because there wasn't that much early labour in comparison.

Did vomit with both but also vomited quite a bit in pregnancy at beginning and end.

FlyOnTheWall89 · 04/10/2023 12:51

@Anonymousm 40 + 3 my waters leaked but not enough for Labour to start so I was induced at 40+ 5. Loved the tens machine for the first 3 hours ish and then had an epidural which wasn't scary at all (I do not like needles and was very apprehensive). Remain open minded... these things rarely go to plan and don't put pressure on yourself to stay in the MLU. Ended with a c section and will be doing that next time as recovery has been fab. Never thought I'd be the one saying that.

Greetingsfellows · 04/10/2023 12:59

Had DC1 at 41+1. Was sick whilst pushing him out. Had a TENS machine but completely forgot to use it! I'd hire one or get one second hand if you want one. I packed my bag at 37 weeks but I think that is quite late! Good luck!

roarrfeckingroar · 04/10/2023 13:05

My tens machine didn't work in either labour - never get a second hand one!

First baby - 6 days late and very long labour.
Second baby - 6 days late and very short easy labour.

faffadoodledo · 04/10/2023 14:28

Was worth it for me both times. First was in London where the midwives were used to them being used. Second time was in the US (I had to get one sent from the uk - this was in 1998). The ob/gym had never seen one used for birth before and was very pleasant my surprised!

I have no idea how it worked - perhaps it was just the feeling of distraction and being in control.

Justyouwaitandseeagain · 04/10/2023 14:57

I used my TENS to survive 3 days of early labour at home for both of my 2 pregnancies. I also used it for 6or so hrs in hospital each time while waiting for things to progress. After starting on gas and air with DC1 I handed over the tens control to my DH but he was terrible he didn't realise he was at the top of the scale of one particular setting and pressing it again promptly set it back to level 0. He had to desperately click away to try and return it back to the highest setting I wanted it on.