Ease Pregnancy Discomforts and Pains Naturally with TENS
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Managing Discomfort During Pregnancy and Labour
Pregnancy is an exciting time, but the physical changes that occur throughout pregnancy can also bring discomfort. Back pain and muscular aches are common, particularly as pregnancy progresses.
For women looking for a drug-free approach to pain management, TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) may be an option in appropriate circumstances.
What is TENS?
TENS uses mild electrical impulses delivered through electrode pads placed on the skin. These impulses stimulate sensory nerves and may help temporarily reduce the perception of pain.
The intensity can be adjusted by the user, allowing the stimulation to be increased or decreased to a comfortable level.
Can TENS be used during pregnancy?
TENS should not be used during the first three months of pregnancy. During later pregnancy, always follow the instructions supplied with your TENS device and do not place electrodes on the abdomen.
Electrode placement is particularly important during pregnancy, and electrodes should never be positioned in areas that are contraindicated in the device instructions.
If you are pregnant and considering TENS, discuss its use with your midwife, obstetrician or other appropriate healthcare professional.
Using TENS during labour
Maternity TENS devices are specifically designed to help women manage pain during labour.
TENS is most commonly introduced during the early stages of labour. Electrode pads are positioned on the back and the stimulation level can then be adjusted as labour progresses.
One advantage of maternity TENS is that the person using it remains in control of the intensity.
TENS is drug-free and non-invasive, and it may be used alongside other pain-management techniques where appropriate.
What is different about a maternity TENS machine?
A maternity TENS unit is designed specifically with labour in mind.
For example, maternity models may provide different stimulation modes and a boost function that allows the user to quickly change the stimulation during contractions.
This makes a dedicated maternity TENS machine different from simply using a general-purpose TENS unit during pregnancy or labour.
Preparing before labour
If you plan to use maternity TENS during labour, it is worth becoming familiar with your device beforehand.
Read the instructions, understand where the electrodes should be placed and make sure the unit, leads, electrodes and batteries or charging system are ready before you need them.
Your midwife or healthcare professional can also help you understand how TENS may fit into your individual birth and pain-management plan.
TensCare maternity pain relief
TensCare offers maternity TENS devices designed specifically for use during labour, giving mothers an adjustable, drug-free pain-management option that they can control themselves.