Using a TENS Machine for Labour: A Natural Pain Relief Option
- Julia Kitching
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
If you are wanting to have a natural birth, but you would also like to consider some natural pain relief options for labour too, then this blog is for you!
There are many great natural pain relief option that you can consider during labour.
A TENS Machine
Water
Supportive Birth Partner & Safe Environment
What is a TENS Machine?
A Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) machine is a hand held battery operated device, that uses gentle electrical pulses to stimulate the nerves through sticky pads (electrodes) placed on the lower back. This is a non-invasive form of pain relief and the tingly pulses from the TENS machine block pain signals to the brain and encourage the release of endorphins. Endorphins are the body's natural feel good hormones and are said to be 200 times stronger than morphine.
How can a TENS Machine Help During Labour?
Many people use a TENS machine alongside other natural forms of pain relief, such as Hypnobirthing techniques. Calm breathing and visualisation are a great Hypnobirthing technique to use in labour and birth. When a woman gets a contraction during labour, using calm breathing and/or visualisation at the same time as using a TENS machine, this can really help to make those contractions feel less uncomfortable and more bearable. A TENS machine offers a sense of control, as you can adjust the intensity of those pulses yourself. It can also create a form of distraction during a contraction, as you focus on using the machine.
When Should a TENS Machine be used during Labour?
It is best to start using a TENS machine early on in your labour, when contractions start becoming regular. This allows those natural endorphins in the body to build and support you when your contractions intensify.
Are There Any Risks to using a TENS Machine?
No, a TENS machine does not have any risks for Mum or baby. It is a very safe and natural form of pain relief. A TENS machine can be used during labour at home or at hospital. It is even helpful if you are having an induction of labour. A TENS machine cannot be used in water though. If you plan to use a TENS machine, get into water and then use the TENS machine again, it is best to have some spare electrodes so that you can reapply the TENS machine after you get out of the water.
What is the evidence supporting TENS Machines?
The evidence of using a TENS machine during labour is very positive. Clinical trials have shown that 50% of women experienced excellent pain relief from using an Elle TENS machine, 47% reported good pain relief and less than 2% reported fair or no relief from using an Elle TENS machine. (Ramamoorthy, V., Sumathi, G., Mahalakshmi, V., Seetha, P. (2016). "Overall, TENS was found to be effective for managing labour pain and can be used during the different stages of the labour by both first time and experienced Mothers."
A study carried out on 1,041 women who had used a TENS machine during labour, found that the majority (88%) had vaginal deliveries and only 12% went on to have caesarean sections. The Elle TENS machine was also linked to shorter first and second stages of labour and higher rates of spontaneous delivery.
Daniel, L., Benson, J., and Hoover, S. (2020), say that "TENS provides a distraction from contractions and generates a sense of control to help women manage the discomforts of labour and the chance of being able to stay at home for longer."
"TENS administered at the beginning of the active phase of labour produces a significant decrease in pain and postpones the need for pharmacological analgesia, with no deleterious maternal and perinatal effects." (Santana, L. S., Gallo, R. B., Ferreira, C. H. J., Duarte, G., Quintana, S. M., & Marcolin, A. C. (2016)
A further study carried out on approximately 4,000 low-risk women in Brazil, between 2011 and 2013 found that 74% of them reported being satisfied with a TENS machine during labour and 100% of them said that they would use this method again in future labours.
Lots of my previous clients have used a TENS machine during their labours and say that they can highly recommend them. You can read their positive birth stories over on my website. Kirsty, Julia and Tara all used a TENS machine when they gave birth and say how much they helped.
Is a TENS Machine Compatible with other Natural Forms of Pain Relief?
TENS machine are a great form of pain relief to use alongside other natural forms of pain relief. Lots of people will use a TENS machine whilst using:
Hypnobirthing tools and techniques- Calm Breathing, visualisation, self hypnosis, affirmations, massage and relaxation.
Aromatherapy - Essential oils, acupressure, warm compresses and massage.
Movement & Upright, Forward and Open positions - Walking, swaying, rocking, using a birth ball, peanut ball or being on all fours.
Supportive Birth Partner & A Safe Environment - Low light levels, privacy, feeling supported, safe, loved, protected, unobserved and held are great ways to reduce labour pain and boost oxytocin and endorphins. Oxytocin and endorphins are 2 key birthing hormones that are essential during labour.
You can learn more about using aromatherapy for childbirth by visiting my blog about How Hypnobirthing And Aromatherapy For Birth Can Make Labour Easier.
If you would like to know more about Hypnobirthing and how it can help you to have a calm, comfortable and positive birth experience, you can read more about it on my website. I can also offer private 1-1 Hypnobirthing courses in person (Leeds and Yorkshire area) and online, if you would like to approach your birth with excitement and less anxiety.
Where To Hire or Buy a TENS Machine from?
There are various places that you can hire or buy a TENS machine from. If you are based in the UK, you can hire or buy a TENS machine from BabyCare TENS and receive a 10% discount, using my discount code "10JULIA". Put this code into the discount code box at the checkout and receive your discount.
Support During Pregnancy, Labour, Birth & Postpartum
If you would like any support during your pregnancy, labour, birth or postpartum period, please get in touch and see how I can help. I offer birth and postnatal Doula support, Hypnobirthing courses and antenatal classes. All packages (except postnatal support - in person only) can take place in person within the Yorkshire area or online. Visit my website to find out more about the different packages that I can offer.
Julia x