by Jillian Silva, ICCE, ICBD

ONE
Using a TENS unit during labor offers a drug-free option to pain relief. The word TENS is short for transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation and involves the use of gentle stimulation to help manage pain. Four electrodes are placed on your upper and lower back area at the site of pain, creating a mild tingling or buzzing sensation that helps bring relief.

TWO
TENS units are most beneficial when started in early labor! Starting the TENS unit early allows your body’s natural pain-relieving hormones (endorphins) to be released. The tingling or buzzing sensation from the TENS unit helps your body relax and cope with contractions. Secondly, the TENS unit works by giving your nerves something else to focus on. This gentle sensation can help turn down the pain signals traveling to your brain from contractions, making them feel more manageable. This is referred to as the gate control theory of pain.

THREE
A TENS unit can and should be started in early labor for maximum benefit. Mom can use a TENS unit at home in early labor. We know the benefit of laboring at home for early labor which can be roughly 2/3 of your labor! These specific TENS units have a boost button that Mom presses when she has a contraction. This provides extra support during contractions with just one press of a button (vs. multiple adjustments with generic units found online or at local pharmacy stores). Psychologically, having this “boost” is empowering for Mom and helps her feel in control of her labor.

FOUR
These TENS units are very portable, which gives Moms the freedom to move and use different positions during labor. Movement is known to be beneficial for labor progress. The pads that come with the TENS unit are reusable and can be reapplied 10–15 times, so if Mom chooses hydro-therapy (bath or shower), she can easily remove and reapply them. A TENS unit does not interfere with external monitoring, analgesics, or Nitrous oxide. Using a TENS unit during labor may also help Mom reach a more optimal point if she chooses epidural anesthesia later.

FIVE
Maternity TENS units have been used in England and Australia since the 1970’s. They have been FDA-approved for post-surgery and traumatic pain. As this article written by Evidence Based Birth mentions, “The history of using TENS for pain relief may date as far back as the year A.D. 63, when the physician to the Roman emperor reported that he could relieve pain by standing on electrical fish at the seaside.”

For more information about renting or purchasing an Elle TENS Unit, please visit www.tensforlabor.com or contact Jillian Silva, ICCE, ICBD at 859-551-4415. Many families choose to rent a TENS unit for labor or purchase one to use during postpartum recovery and for general pain management.