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TENS Machine - Frequently Asked Questions

The following steps are a guide to using a TENS machine during labour:

  • Check the machine is turned off before placing the pads on your back. It’s best to have another person such as your birth partner place the pads on your back for you.
  • Place two of the electrode 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.
  • Switch the machine on, starting with the controls at the lowest setting.
  • Turn them up gradually as your contractions get stronger, or when the pain in your back gets worse.
  • Use the boost button at the peak of each contraction. The boost function results in more intense, wave-like tingling or buzzing sensations.
  • Remember to turn off the boost button again when the contraction has ended. This is so you feel the benefit of the boost next time you have a contraction.
  • Keep mobile. Moving around during labour helps you to feel in control and will make TENS more effective.
  • Don’t give up straight away if you think TENS isn’t doing anything. You may need to keep using it for at least an hour before it starts to work for you.
  • If the pads start to lose their stickiness, rub a few drops of water into the gel side of the pads before putting them back on. The more firmly the pads are stuck on, the better they’ll work.
  • If you don’t think the pads are helping you after a while, take them off. You are in control of your labour and what is working for you. All other forms of pain relief, both medical and non-medical, are still open to you.

Never use a TENS machine under the following circumstances, without talking to a midwife or doctor first:

  • Before you go into labour.
  • When you’re in a shower, bath, or birth pool.
  • If you have broken skin or a healing scar where you want to place the pads.
  • If you have a cardiac pacemaker or a heart rhythm problem.
  • If you have pain that you don’t think is labour pain. See your doctor or midwife if this is the case.

Some of the advantages, as opposed to other methods of pain relief, include:

  • You can keep moving while using the TENS machine
  • It won't directly interfere with your labour
  • You can use it for as long as you want, and stop using it whenever you wish
  • There are no lasting side effects
  • It's safe for you and your baby
  • You don't need an anesthesiologist, doctor, or midwife to help you use a TENS machine
  • It can be used for home birth
  • It's portable and non-invasive
  • It's easy to use
  • You probably won’t be able to put the pads in place without help.
  • You may find it only gives you relief in the early stages of labour.
  • You‘ll probably need to pay to hire or buy a TENS machine, as not all hospitals have them.
  • TENS can’t be used in water, though you can still use it before you get in a bath or birth pool.
  • If you want your birth partner to massage your back, they will have to work around the pads.

Yes, but not in the water itself.

The Elle TENS is an excellent tool to use in labour before you can enter the birthing pool but cannot be used in water. It’s best to wait until you are at least 4-5 cm dilated and in active labour before entering the pool, so using the Elle TENS before then will help you cope. If you decide to exit the water you can re-apply the pads to your lower back once your skin is completely dry.

The electrode pads provided are designed to be re-usable. Apply to dry skins and if you want to take them off place them back onto the film they arrived on. Residual oil or moisture on your skin will start to erode the stickiness of your pads, so if you are in and out of the shower several times, or sweating, make sure to dry your back completely before reapplying. If the pad aren't feeling as sticky as they were originally you can lightly brush with a damp cloth to increase the gel's stickiness.

This is totally up to you, we recommend the 6 week hire to ensure you have plenty of time either side your due date. Some women might be more comfortable with an eight week hire. We do extend hires by two or four weeks, if you require an extension please get in touch ASAP so we can arrange it on our end.

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