What is TENS?
The thrill and excitement of having a new baby is often overshadowed by the thought of pain and discomfort of childbirth. TENS or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation is an effective way of relieving labour pain without using drugs and has successfully used in childbirth since the 1970’s. More and more mothers are opting to use this safe method of drug free pain relief during the birth of their babies
A TENS unit is a small battery operated device that many people find effective to treat pain. It has been used world-wide to treat many pain conditions since the 1970's and is frequently recommended by Midwives, doctors, Physiotherapists and other health professionals.
What are the benefits of using TENS during childbirth over traditional forms of pain relief?
TENS is safe for mother and baby.
TENS is drug free, non-invasive and non-addictive.
TENS has no harmful side effects for mother or baby.
TENS does not alter the normal course of labour.
TENS gives mother more control during labour, it does not impair her consciousness or her ability to take an active part in the birth process.
TENS is the only method of pain control that allows the mother complete mobility during labour.
TENS can be used with other forms of analgesia(pain relief) such as entonox or pethidine, where smaller does are generally required
How effective is TENS for labour?
TENS have been found to reduce labour pain in 70 - 80% of mothers. At Natures Gate we
send out evaluations with all our TENS units. From all the thousands of mothers who have
responded we have had a great deal of very positive comments. Many Mums have found our
machines so effective that they use us for their second and third babies as well as recommending
us to their friends and midwives.
See Customer Comments.
I am planning to have a natural childbirth- is TENS suitable?
TENS is drug free it is an ideal choice for Mums wishing to have a natural labour. Studies have shown
that babies born to mothers using TENS are more awake and responsive than those born to mothers using strong
drugs for pain relief. As a result mother and baby bonding can start immediately and breast-feeding difficulties
are far less likely.
Can I use a non-obstetric TENS machine for labour pain?
For the most effective pain relief an obstetric TENS unit with an integral or separate hand held boost button
attachment should be used.
What is a 'dual channel' machine and does it have any advantages over a
'single channel' machine?
Dual channel means that each pair of electrodes has separate controls. A dual channel TENS unit
which has 80mA power per channel will actually have the capability of providing twice the amount
of power of a single channel unit, thereby delivering more effective pain
relief. See our machines.
When is the best time to start using the obstetric tens unit?
TENS is most effective when used from the start of labour- i.e. at the first onset of regular contractions.
Can I use other types of pain relief with TENS?
Yes TENS can also be used in conjunction with other forms of pain relief such as 'gas and air'
or pethidine- where smaller doses are generally required.
I am having my labour induced, when should I start using the TENS?
Ideally the TENS unit should be started approximately 45 minutes before the induction of labour. This give time for the endorphins
(natural pain- killers) to build up in your body and become effective.
What if my baby is late and I can't get the TENS unit back to you in time?
Providing you contact us before the end of you rental period we can usually give you an extra weeks hire at no additional charge.
I live in Japan- can I hire a TENS unit from you?
No problem, Natures Gate offers an International Service.
Please see International Hire for further details.
How will I know when to expect my TENS unit?
Your TENS unit will be dispatched so you receive it 3 to 4 weeks before your baby's due date,
we will send you a confirmation letter so you know when to expect your unit.
If your baby is due sooner than this we will send the unit straight out to you.
What if I am not home when my TENS unit is delivered?
If you are not home when your unit arrives the postman will leave a note whereby you can
arrange for re-delivery or to collect the machine yourself from the Sorting Office.
I am expecting twins- can I receive the TENS early?
Often twins do not go full term. If you would like to receive your TENS machine early please let us know and we can arrange for you to receive it at the start of your 36th week.
Does the TENS unit come with everything I need?
Yes the TENS will come in a carrying case complete with lead wires, electrodes, battery and instructions.
I am allergic to plaster- will I be able to use your electrodes?
Yes all our electrodes are hypoallergenic.
