TENS unit in early labor

ljanette85

I was just reading about using a TENS unit in early labor.... anyone doing this? advice, thoughts, comments are welcome....

this is the article I found

https://www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/labourandbirth/painrelief/tens/

thanks

caralck

I knew a person who did it.  She said it really helped with her back labor

Lipstick&LeopardPrint

I'm a PT, and I would definitely look into it for labor! I wouldn't put it on your belly, of course, as you wouldn't want to pass a current through LO, but you can use it for back labor or you can put the electrodes surrounding your perineum if that's a painful spot. Lots of good evidence in physical therapy literature to support its use in labor, and I love it when people consider using it!

unstuck6jb

I actually have a prescriptions for a TENS unit because I already have some back issues, but I have been using it a lot lately for my lower back pain associated with pregnancy and it's been wonderful!  I put it on my back and even my hips sometimes and I usually use a heating pad with it too.  I do plan to use it during labor and bring it with me to L&D too when it's time.  It definitely helps cut through the pain for me.  Hope you get to try it.  I was in physical therapy for a herniated disc in my back and they were able to get me the unit through my insurance.  Not sure if you could get one through insurance, but even if you could rent one, it would probably be worth a try!

frlcb

I have one that I used in labor with my ds, who was born in the UK. I didn't like it but I know it helped other people.

Celyn

I have one in my doula bag.  They're nice to have, especially if you have a stubbornly posterior baby.  It rarely ever gets used though, as I have other ways to deal with those issues.  If you really think you want one, look into renting one rather than buying, since you might not need to use it.

choppinbroccoli22

There's a chapter on e-stim in the book I like, "Easing Labor Pain", but I didn't expect it to be an option for me where I was delivering, so I skipped it, but it is there FYI.