TENS, or Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, used electric currents to stimulate the nerves. This stimulation acts as a distraction tool, and can be incredibly helpful with relief from contractions during labor.
What is a TENS?
The TENS has four (sometimes more) electrode pads, that can be either small or long and rectangular. The pads are placed on each side of the spine (ensure the same original wire of pads are on the same side of the spine), anywhere from the mid back just below the bra strap line to the hips and glutes. The pads can be adjusted and moved, making it easy to modify for comfort throughout labor.
It can be especially for back labor; and is my go-to labor comfort recommendation for the car ride to your birth location, since you can apply the comfort measure without the help of others.
How to Use
In between contractions, have it on a low buzz, so you feel it but it’s not bothersome.
During contractions, increase the intensity so it becomes distracting but not painful. You can adjust the level of the TENS on your own, or coach your birth team to adjust it for you.
We recommend practicing putting your TENS together and learning how to turn it on before labor during pregnancy, as some machines can be slightly different than others. It would be easier to be familiar with your machine before contractions come!
Then during early labor, put it on and turn it on to find your desired intensity levels when you are still comfortable. This will make using it easier during active labor!
Considerations
When using the TENS, it’s important to remember that it cannot be used in water. If you want to use the tub or shower, take it off completely.
It may be helpful to have extra pads available in case you rotate between hydrotherapy and wanting to use the TENS, as the pads can lose stickiness. I usually recommend 1-2 extra sets of pads.
In addition, you don’t want to turn the TENS up so high that it is causing pain! It should NOT be painful.
You can usually use a TENS during pregnancy, but avoid the ankles, nipples, and top of shoulders (common acupressure labor induction points). Would recommend talking with your provider prior to use during pregnancy.
Labor Bag: What to Pack
For your hospital bag, pack the TENS, extra batteries and pads! You may find the stickiness of the pads wears off after a few uses. Your hospital may also have a TENS to use during labor! Would be worth asking.
Some companies will have TENS to rent, and others you will need to buy. There are some specific to labor too! Check out the Baby Care Tens* and use code 10MAMASTEFIT for 10% off.