TENS Units for Labor!️
️What is a TENS unit?️
TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. When using a TENS unit it passes small electrical current across your skin.
️How does it help!?️
There is a Gate Control Theory of Pain. The theory suggests that the brain and spinal cord have a gate mechanism that can be closed to help stop sending pain receptors to the brain. Pain signals can "compete" for attention in your brain. It can be difficult for your brain to process pain stimuli from two different areas at the same time!
When it comes to the TENS unit they are thought to stimulate nerve fibers that carry touch signals. In turn, they temporarily "close" the gate and block pain signals. It is also thought that at certain frequencies it can ramp up your endorphin production. Endorphins are the body's natural "pain killers".
At a low pulse rate (2-5Hz) this stimulates the body to use the gate theory. At a higher rate (90-130Hz, normal pulse rate), this is thought to cause the body to dump endorphins into your system via a process called Diffuse Noxious Inhibitory Control.
How do you use it?
TENS Units can all be a little different BUT, they all come with sticky pads (electrodes) connected to wires that are attached to the handheld device.
Make sure to read the manual to understand how your specific TENS works! Some have two electrode pads, some have four. Some have addition connections where you can add more!
When you place the pads on your body for Labor, you should place them at your bra line and at your panty line as shown below. If you only have two electrode pads, you can put them on your panty line on your lower back. You can keep it on a low setting and then turn it up as the contraction peaks. Some people turn it off in between contractions others will leave it on low especially if they are experiencing back labor.
What does it feel like?
When you turn the machine on, it should feel like tingling across your skin. I recommend trying it prior to labor!
When to start using it in labor?
It's best to start using your TENS unit in early labor! This will help get your body's natural endorphins flowing and then as labor ramps up, you can up the intensity of the TENS unit.
Resource and Studies on TENS units for Labor
Brands and where to buy one?
Elle TENS (3 different options)- https://tensforlabor.com/product/elle-tens1/
TENS unit rentals- https://tensforlabor.com/rent-a-tens-unit/
Amazon has a bunch of different units as well! If your hire a doula, ask if they have one in their birth bag for client use!
️Did you use a TENS for your labor? Are you interested in using one for future births️?
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