What does TENS mean in pregnancy?
What does TENS mean in pregnancy?
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, or TENS, is a form of pain relief without medicine. It can be used in labour to help with the pain. Two electrodes are stuck to your skin and connected to a battery-powered machine.
Is TENS safe during pregnancy?
TENS has been used by pregnant women for many years without any reported side effects for either the mother or baby. In fact, it has been suggested that TENS enhances placental blood flow (Enzelsberger et al. 1991).
Why are TENS used in labour?
How does TENS work? A TENS machine works by sending mild electrical impulses to sticky pads on your lower back. TENS is thought to work as the electrical pulses stimulate nerves that run to the spinal cord and block the transmission of pain (Doswell et al, 2009). This creates a tingling feeling.
Can a TENS unit induce labor?
If applied correctly, TENS can be used safely without any side effects to your baby. TENS should not be used over certain areas of the body which may induce labour contractions. These areas include the web space of the thumb, all around the lower half of the leg and ankle and the top of the shoulders.
Can TENS cause miscarriage?
If applied correctly, TENS can be used safely without any side effects to your baby. Avoid using it in early pregnancy, and remember to not place the electrodes on acupuncture points in the web space beside the thumb, all around the lower half of the leg and ankle, or the top of the shoulders.
When can I start using TENS in labour?
You can use TENS from the very beginning of your labour. You could start using it when you’re getting regular contractions or backache. TENS is most likely to be effective in early labour though you may still need other forms of pain relief as your labour gets stronger.
Can I use a tens machine at 37 weeks pregnant?
After 37 weeks into your pregnancy, you can safely use TENS to help provide relief from backache, and for a drug-free alternative form of pain relief during your labour. We highly recommend: Do NOT use during the first three months of pregnancy. It is not known whether TENS may affect foetal development.
How long can I use TENS in labour?
It won’t directly interfere with your labour. You can use it for as long as you want to and take it off whenever you want or need to. There are no lasting side-effects. It’s safe for you and your baby.
Can I use a TENS machine at 32 weeks pregnant?
We highly recommend: Do NOT use during the first three months of pregnancy. It is not known whether TENS may affect foetal development.
Where do you put a TENS machine in labour?
How should I use TENS?
- Check the machine is turned off before placing the pads on your back.
- Place two of the pads on either side of your spine, with the tops of the pads at about bra-strap level.
- Place the other two lower down, at about the level of the dimples on your lower back, just above your bottom.
