Labour TENS vs regular TENS  – Why does it matter?

Labour TENS vs regular TENS  – Why does it matter?

Are you considering using a TENS machine for labour pain relief in your practice? If so, it’s essential to know that not all TENS machines are created equal. There are two main types of TENS machines: standard pain TENS machines and labour TENS specific machines.

An obstetric TENS (labour TENS or maternity TENS) machine is different to a standard TENS machine because the programs are designed and clinically tested for managing labour pain.

Using a TENS machine during labor offers a drug free option to pain relief. The word TENS is short for transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation which involves the use of low current electrical currents to treat pain. Four electrodes are placed – 2 on your upper and 2 on your lower back area at the site of nerves that deliver the pain signals during labour to the brain. A labour TENS delivers small electrical impulses that travels through the area of nerve fibers just under your skin to bring relief

TENS units are most beneficial when started in early labor.  By applying the TENS unit early in labor allows your body’s natural endorphins to release. The tingling sensation of the electrical current allows your brain to release these endorphins and mediate the pain experience. The Gate control theory of pain asserts that a non-painful input signal (the TENS unit) closes the gates to the painful input from the labor contractions. A TENS unit can and should be started as early as possible in labor for maximum benefit. The benefits of laboring at home for early labour are well known and documented.

An obstetric TENS (labour TENS) machine is different to a standard TENS machine because the programs are designed and clinically tested for managing labour pain. The leads are integrated to allow smooth 2 channel coverage and the electrodes that come with obstetric TENS machines are typically larger than those that come with standard machines to allow for more comprehensive coverage and more effective pain relief during labour. The positioning of the electrodes on the back, is therefore very important, to target the appropriate nerve roots, during labour pain.

During the low, pulsating setting, (Channel A for the TensCare Perfect Mama or Perfect Mama+)  when not experiencing a contraction, is stimulating endorphins, similar to massage therapy.

There are several important, practical benefits of labour TENS:

• Boost button: When a contraction starts, at a click of a button, you can quickly increase the power level to match the increase of pain from the contractions. A labour TENS machine has a unique boost button that changes the intensity from low to high (when experiencing a contraction) and changes the frequency from a pulsating sensation to a continuous one. This is when it interferes with the pain signals to the brain. The BOOST button can be used for the whole of the contractions. 

• Integrated leads Integrated leads are less likely to get disconnected during labour. The leads are integrated in the pads to allow smooth 2 channel coverage and use onny one entry point into the machine. The electrodes that come with labour TENS machines are typically larger than those that come with standard machines to allow for more comprehensive coverage and more effective pain relief during labour. The positioning of the electrodes on the back, is therefore very important, to target the appropriate nerve roots, during labour pain.

• Clinically approved programs: Maternity TENS have special programs for each stage of labour. You can change the settings at the touch of just one button. Other TENS units use dials and knobs, not really what you want when a contraction starts. They also do not have programs that are specific to labour and you may not find a program that works for you

• Intensity controls:  Maternity units have one intensity control, it is a simple up or down arrow to adjust the intensity. Older and general TENS machines normally have separate controls which makes it harder to adjust

• Contraction Timer : Some obstetric TENS machines come equipped with a built-in contraction timer, which can be a helpful tool for managing labour. When you press the boost button, the machine records the start of the contraction and ends it when you press the boost button again. This feature can help you keep track of the duration and frequency of your contractions, allowing you to monitor your progress during labour. This feature is available on the Perfect Mama+.