Maternity Hire - FAQ

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a professionally researched, tried and tested method of pain management in childbirth and chronic pain used in European hospitals and clinics since the 1960's.

Labour TENS unit is an advanced, small, battery powered device which sends a pulsed electrical stimulus via pads to the skin.

Why use a maternity TENS machine ?

• No harm to baby
• Drug free pain control
• Instant long lasting pain relief
• No side effects or drowsiness
• Fully controllable with boost button
• Used at home when contractions start
• Can be used with other methods /drugs
• Safe and easy to use at home or in hospital
• Proven up to 90% effective for reducing labour pain
• Non invasive giving freedom to move and walk about

• Releases natural pain killers (endorphins and encephalins)
• Blocks out pain messages to the brain.
• Provides a sense of control over labour pain and gives an alternative focus

• A pleasant tingling sensation on the skin where the pads are placed.

• We recommend you start using the maternity TENS machine at home at the onset of contractions. Early use of the TENS promotes the bodies production of endorphins and encephalins - the bodies natural pain killers.

• The Tens machine can be used as needed for as long as desired but a minimum 60 minute duration is recommended for childbirth.

• Yes, we recommend you tryout the TENS machine beforehand so that you are familiar with the operation. You may place the pads on your lower back as you would during labour or you may place them on the inside of your forearm to test. If you are earlier than 37 weeks then limit the test to a short period. The pads are self adhesive and re-usable. Re-apply the plastic film to the sticky side of the pads when finished and store in the plastic bag.

• Yes, our TENS is specifically designed for Labour. It has been professionally researched, tried and tested since the 1960's. However there are a few precautions. Do not use over broken or desensitised skin. Do not use before 37 weeks unless approved by your doctor. Do not use if you have a pacemaker. Seek advice from doctor if you have epilepsy.

• Yes, although NOT whilst in the water. Use during the first stage of labour which may take several hours. The midwife will not usually ask you to enter the water after you are 5cm dilated. You need to REMOVE the TENS machine BEFORE you enter the water.

• Yes, you may continue using  the TENS machine with other methods such as pethidine and gas and air.

• Yes, the TENS machine is very effective for reducing the pain of uterine contractions after birth. The TENS can also be used whilst breast feeding after birth, and can be used with leg, neck or back pain.

• It is not recommended as ordinary TENS machines will be less effective. A maternity TENS uses larger pads and has specially designed programmes with a boost button for changing between the programmes to allow an increase in pain relief during contractions, these do not exist on a standard tens unit.

• Order as soon as possible to secure your maternity TENS machine. It will be posted out to you 3 weeks prior to your baby’s due date, priority hire is sent same working day. You can order 6 months in advance of your baby’s due date

• We recommend you use the Priority Hire Service - Sent via Special Delivery same or 1st working day.

• Yes. The midwives and doctors are usually very happy for women to use a maternity TENS. Check with your midwife or doctor if you are unsure. You may need to turn the TENS off temporarily whilst using electronic monitoring equipment.

• You automatically get an extra week free, any longer needed, email us as soon as possible and we can normally give you another extension for one week.

• Yes, our maternity TENS can be used to treat back pain during and after pregnancy. (not before week 37)