TENS Unit for Pain Relief in Labor

TENS = Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation

I recently took a training on using a TENS Unit in labor as a non-medicinal pain relief option. I really wish I had taken this training sooner (and used it in my own labors)! One part of the training I found very interesting was the use of electrical stimulation throughout history. Can you imagine having electric eels part of your pain management plan?? No thank you! In many countries around the world, mothers are regularly using TENS units in their labors to help with the intensity of contractions.

What is a TENS Unit?

I was able to purchase a maternity TENS Unit through this class which I’m really excited about offering to our labor doula clients. This is a specialized unit that provides various levels of stimulation based on what phase of labor the mother is in as well as offering additional intensity during contractions by using a button called “Boost”. Many people wonder if this stimulation is painful. The answer is definitely no and if the user is experiencing pain, it can be quickly turned down. The mother controls the intensity at all times.

The unit I purchased has four electrode pads (each person gets their own pads) and a handheld device. The electrode pads are placed on the mother’s back in specific locations and can be used throughout the entire labor. If this is your first time using a TENS unit in labor, I provide a short “class” via zoom on how to use this device. If you have a support partner, I ask they attend as well since they will likely be the ones placing the pads on your.

For more information, please visit this site at Evidence Based Birth with research, benefits, and uses for the TENS machine in labor.