What is a tens machine and how does it work

It’s a fantastic non medicated form of pain relief for labour, that is safe for you and your bub.

A tens machine is a small battery operated unit with a clip or string that you carry or attach to your clothing. This allows you to mobilise during labour. The machine is packed with punch. Through 4 pads attached to your back small electric pulses are sent to prevent pain signals from reaching your brain. The pads are positioned over the nerve pathways that transmit pain messages from the uterus and cervix during labour. (See diagram). The pulses also stimulate your body to release endorphins. These endorphins interact with the opiate receptors in the brain to reduce the perception of pain and act comparably to drugs such as morphine and codeine.

What are the advantages of TENS?

• It’s portable and non-invasive
• Quick and effective pain relief.
• It’s under your control.
• It’s easy to use, light weight and portable
• Does not cause drowsiness
• You can keep moving while using it.
• Can be used at home when contractions start and later in hospital
• You can use it for as long as you want and then take it off. There are no lasting side-effects.
• It’s safe for your baby.

What are the disadvantages?

• You’ll need someone to help you put the pads on.
• It may only help in the early stages of labour.
• There is a cost associated with either buying or hiring the machine
• If you want to use a birthing pool, have a bath or shower , you can use TENS before you get in the water, but not when you are in the water.

Safety when using tens

• TENS should not be used in the bath or in the shower
• Tens should not be used on broken skin.
• TENS should not be used whilst driving a car
• TENS should not be used prior to the 37th week of your pregnancy unless advised by your doctor, midwife or physiotherapist.
• TENS must be turned off before applying or removing the electrodes.
• Seek advise if you are epileptic

Book your tens machine below:

Hire Elle TENS 2 Machine Hire for Labour

Costs

• $50 hire fee.
• $10 for delivery to you (express if needed $65)
• Your out of pocket costs are $60 (return at your own expense)

The Elle TENS 2 is so easy to use. All the settings are pre-set so there is no fuss in setting up. The Elle TENS 2 uses the latest Opti-Max technology.

What is Optimax? An extra pulse of pain combatting power, often used in the final stages of labour – when you most need it. Optimax is a feature of both the Elle TENS and Elle TENS 2

Hire period is for 7 weeks – we send it 3 weeks before your baby’s due date, and it is not due back until a month afterwards. Also can be used after baby is born.

Features and Benefits

• Pre set modes for ease of use
• Contraction timer
• Integrated boost button
• Optimax technology for extra power
• Uses 4 large pads
• Backlit digital display
• Neck cord for mobility
• Can be used for post natal pain
• 7 weeks hire period