TENS machines - any good?

Im considering renting a TENS for use in early labour but I hear very mixed reports of them. Has anyone used one and found it useful? I know its mainly for early labour, my intention was to use it to manage my pain at home for a long as possible before going to the hospital.

I've had 5 children and used a TENS machine each time. I found it useful in that it gave you something to do and distracted you from the pain. Not sure how good it was at blocking the pain but you are so busy thinking about what buttons to press or turn that the pain passes before you realise. I would recommend it, especially for what you are thinking of - early labour and helping you stay at home.

Good luck - let us know what you decide.

I never tried a TENS machine but I agree with Mummy5 that having something to do distracts you from the pain. For me I did pregnancy Yoga. Like you I've heard mixed things about TENS but it might be a re-assuring thing to have for when the time comes and it's something you can be in control of which is good

I hired a TENs machine as I had a homebirth with George and knew my pain relief would be minimal.

I thought that it was great, it really helped with the pain and I managed to use it right up until I was pushing. I really found it helped me, I have heard that some people didn't think they helped though.

You have three different setting on the one I hired, each level 'pulsates' differently to match your contractions on each of the levels you can control the intensity of the pulsating from 1-10.

I would suggest trying it anyway and see what you think, if it doesn't suit you then at least you know.

I hired mine from Boots, they sent it for you reaching 37 weeks and you have it for 4 weeks, you can ring them up and extend the hire for another 2 weeks (free of charge) incase you go overdue. I think it cost £30ish to hire and it is free to send it back.

Im thinking I may just go ahead and rent one, its not that much to waste if I don't find it useful is it? Is it just like those ab machines that stimulate your muscles? or is it more pins and needles like?

I've never used an abs machine but it is more like pins and needles, I think that is why some people may not like it but I found the feeling more pleasant than the contractions.

i thought my TENS machine was great for taking my mind off the pain - only for first stages of labour tho! But I lent it to a friend and she used it for whole labour...

The only thing Im thinking now though is I really want to use water for pain relief and intend to soak in the bath while Im at home which wont be possible if Im using TENS. ALso Ive heard you need to whack it on straight away as it takes a while for the effect to build up, and if you take it off you have to start all over again. This sounds as if me having a bath is really going to get in the way, I wonder which would be more effective, bath or TENS?

ive never used a tens machine

u wont stay in the bath i coudnt stay in same position me !i wanted a water birth so much >>>>but i moved about coundnt stay still did it with only gas and air for birth but had too move......had a large jaquzzi but couldnt stay there .....was in then out in then out etc

I had a tens for both mine...the first i hadnt planned on using one until the midwife at the hospital suggested it and gave me one, my waters had already gone and i was having regular contractions...to me it didnt take the pain away but it took my mind off it.

With my second i hired one,my contractions were not very regular so i didnt put it on until they were unbearable,i had a very long labour(30hrs) and if it wasnt for the tens i dont think i would have coped...so yeah id recommend them!

I used a TENS machine and for me only effetivce for the frist stages of labour, i got fed up in the end cos i could feel the pain more in the end !LOL

Hi
Dont know if you still need convincing on the TENS machine but I swear buy it ! I have used it for years on various injuries (ski racer - many injuries!!) and it has always been my first choice for pain relief, I am due in 2weeks to have my little fella and I paln to use the TENS then too as I trust it.

I would definately recomend it

Amzie x