Using a TENS Unit during Pregnancy

Pregnancy 34 weeks1 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A TENS unit offers pain relief without the use of drugs that can be quite beneficial for women during labor or at any time they experience pain during pregnancy. TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. A TENS unit is made up of a hand held controller connected to two sets of fine leads which run to four sticky pads which are placed around the area of pain on the body.

The battery operated unit sends out small pulses of electrical energy by way of the leads to the pads, which in turn transmit the energy into the skin. Depending on the intensity of the setting, the pulses of energy will give the wearer a tingling or buzzing sensation. For convenience, the unit can be worn on a strap around the neck or attached to clothing.

It is not unusual for women to experience various aches and pains during pregnancy and labor. The majority of these pains require little or no attention. At times, however, pain can occur where a TENS unit can provide relief for women who don’t want to take medication that may affect their unborn child. Women should be careful of the types and amounts of medications they take, as some of the side effects could cause harm to the child. Many women are turning to alternative methods of pain relief, including the use of a TENS unit.

Many women are choosing natural child birth so as not to expose their unborn child to the effects of pain relief medications. As a precaution, pregnant women should consult their physician before using a TENS unit during childbirth.

For relief during pregnancy, two of the pads should be placed on either side of the spine so that the tops of the pads are at the level of the bra strap. The other two pads are placed lower on the back, just above your bottom on either side of the spine. The pads are covered in a thick gel that stick them to the skin and allows for uninhibited transfer of the electrical pulses into the body.

The controller is held in the hand and has controls which allow the user to modulate the strength and frequency of the pulses. Some models come with a boost button which puts out the maximum stimulation from the unit. This is useful for getting through each contraction.

How the unit works

The verdict is still out on how exactly a TENS unit effectively reduces pain. It is thought that the electrical stimulus from the pads stimulates the nerves and thus blocks the pain signals. Another theory is that stimulating the nerves helps the body produce its own natural painkillers, known as endorphins.

Using the unit

When a TENS unit is used properly it is generally safe. If you are pregnant and want to try using TENS to help alleviate some of your pain without the use of medication, speak with your doctor beforehand. Your doctor may likely advise against using the device if you are in your first weeks of pregnancy or if you have a pacemaker. Do not use a TENS while you are driving, in the shower or bathtub, or while you are sleeping. Do not apply the unit to broken or irritated skin.

TENS is a natural and drug free means of controlling pain during pregnancy. The effectiveness of TENS varies from person to person. Few studies have been conducted to test how effective or ineffective the procedure is.