Tens machines?

Lillibet_2

I used one but my contractions were 3 minutes apart from the first to the last & I never got a chance to set the levels properly so it was not much help for me. You have to change the levels from non-contraction to contraction mode at the start of each contraction, mine were almost running into each other (or so it felt at the time!) so fiddling around with dials & buttons was just not going to happen. That said, for teh sake of £20 I'm glad I had the opportunity to try it as at least I know I tried everything before resorting to the heavy pain relief.

Liek Doozergirl, I found warm water the best relief during early contractions.

Good luck;)

joannasmum

hippychick1 wrote:

I rented one for my first pregnancy and to me it made not one jot of difference. One thing it did do was that every time I had a contraction I was concentrating on pressing the little button, and fiddling with the switch that makes it stronger. Along with constantly rearranging the pads on my back to try and get them in the right place, it took my mind off the contractions and gave me something to do rather than concentrating on each contraction.

Basically that sums up my experience up to a tee

Crispy_Ambulance

TENS won't stop it hurting but it may make the pain easier to deal with. It works in 2 ways - encouraging the body to release endorphins (nature's painkillers) and stopping the pain messages getting to the brain. You need to put it on in early labour and give it time for the endorphins to build up. Having the boost button to press can be a very helpful distraction. It has no effect on the baby and if you don't like it, you can just take it off.

You do need a proper obstetric TENS machine - you can hire them quite cheaply - or a lot of people sell them on ebay. TENS may also be helpful if you get afterpains after the baby is born.

MegS

I rented one and it did nothing for me either. Gave me something to do in pressing the button but thats it. After saying that gas and air didn't do anything for me either but did concentrate me on biting the bit. Was really annoyed as OH used it and was this is great, he felt really high on it but me nothing, very disappointing.

inkie

Its the only thing that I used with both my labours - it worked well for me!

themaccas

Tens machines work better the earlier you use them. Start using them the moment contractions start, if you apply it when contractions are strong and every 3-5 minutes then it's too late really.

I agree with one of the posters that eBay sell some really good ones at decent prices.

clairefun

I bought one as it ended up working out just a little more expensive than hiring one and I was worried in case it didn't arrive in time - or my son arrived early. As it happened, he was nearly 14 days overdue and even then induced, so I would probably have had to return a hired one by then. Saying that, it didn't do much for me, I guess I was slightly distracted by the strange tingly sensations but unfortunately not for long. Gas and Air made me feel sick as well - went for an epidural in the end and thanks to epidural making me relax as I wasn't in pain, I didn't need a ceasarean. I wouldn't use it again if I had another...

domestic_goddess

Hi, My friend used one and said they didn't stop the pains just dulled them slightly. IMHO anything that helps even a little is worth it?!?

looby75

first baby, didn't do a thing, mainly because I didn't put it on early enough. Second baby, absolutely fantastic! Helped SO much, I went through my second labour with just TENS/gas & air and not once, not even for second, did I even want anything extra. I have raved about them ever since and have seriously considered buying one to help with my sciatica.

I hired mine from a co advertising in the bounty book, can't remember the name, but it was delivered when I was 34 weeks pg and it cost £20 for 10 weeks.

purplepurple

I agree with clairehi, they're really effective if you use them for a few weeks before the birth. I used TENS for my second baby and it worked a treat. I was able to labour at home right up until the last minute. First twinge I got, I put it on! Only needed that and a whiff of gas and air (for the stitches!).
Hope it all goes well for you!