9 weeks pregnant, can i use my TENS for my back pain????

[1istrulyscrumptious]

Hi all need some advice.. I had a car accident in december and suffered a back injury have been using TENS and anti inflamatory tabs to relieve it.. It seemed to be getting better but this week i seem to be suffering again.. i know i cant take anti inflammatorys but can i use my TENS machine... im 9 weeks pregnant and dont want to cause any harm to my baby or increase the chance of miscarriage.. any suggestion as to whether tens is safe or not?

Not 100% sure but almost certain I was told (10 years ago mind!)that you shouldn't use a tens machine until you are nearly ready to give birth due to the chance of it bringing on early labour.

I'd phone out of hours surgery if you are in pain to see what they can do for you - and definitely get yourself to your doctors tomorrow to get proper advice .

docs dont know either... asked an obstetition and midwife today and both said they Think it will be ok to use.. Think is not good enough!!

I have a maternity tens machine and it states not to use until in labour - so i can see you being able to use a normal one either. sorry!

I did use one for a week or so around 14 weeks in my second pregnancy - but the instructions didn't say anything about not using and I was in so much pain I didn't even think about it. I've just done a search online but the only answers are from people like me who have used them, rather than any professional advice. I gave up after a while and went to a chiropracter which actually sorted me out rather than just relieve symptoms, but perhaps you have tried that already? If not, I remember being surprised that they weren't as expensive as I had expected. Perhaps it's worth phoning NHS direct / NCT or looking on the websites for the Royal College of Midwives or the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (think those are the right titles) and see if they have a way you can contact them to ask questions?

I've used one from boots all throuh pregnancy for back pain. Am 33 weeks now

sorry should have said it's not a maternity one.

The instructions are very clear that it CAN be used during pregnancy providing you don't put it onto the abdomen. I've used it all over my back to great effect.

Was about £40 in Boots - need to keep replacing the pads and they are quite expensive.

U should not use a TENS before 23 or so weeks it dose say this on the boxes i also asked my doctor as i suffer for back pain and this is my 5th pregnancy and having twins so my back is really bad and he said not to use them till late pregnancy.

so how come the one I've bought from boots specifically says you CAN use it?

My DH is a doctor and he doesn't see a problem.