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6 of the best TENS machines for labour 2024
WHAT IS A TENS MACHINE?
A TENS machine (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) provides a form of drug-free pain relief that some women use in labour. It is a small battery-powered machine with four pads that stick to the skin of the lower back. The machine sends mild electrical pulses to the pads. It’s thought that the resulting nerve stimulation blocks pain signals and stimulates endorphins. They are completely safe for you to use and cannot harm the baby.
does a tens machine work during labour?
There is not enough evidence to conclude that they are effective at reducing pain in labour but they are fairly popular and can provide a distraction as well as giving a sense of control.
when can I use TENS during labour?
Firstly, it’s best to practice using the machine from 37 weeks pregnant so you’re not trying to read the instructions during a contraction. You may have to buy extra electrode pads if the ones included are not reusable.
You can then start using it as soon as you first go into labour and it’s in early labour that they are usually most effective.
When should tens not be used?
Don’t use a TENS machine in early pregnancy and they should also be avoided if you have epilepsy, heart problems or a pacemaker or any other electrical device fitted. They can’t be used in water so are not suitable for water births or in the shower. If your baby is being monitored with CTG you’ll have to remove the TENS machine.
WHAT FEATURES SHOULD I LOOK OUT FOR?
Hands-free use: Many come with a neck cord so you can hang them around your neck.
Pre-set modes: Most TENS machines intended for labour have pre-set programmes for the different stages of labour, which makes them much easier to use.
Boost mode: Some have a boost button so you can increase the intensity during contractions.
Contraction timers: These help you keep track of how your labour is progressing and help you decide when to go to the hospital or birth centre (if you’re not having a home birth.)
Carry case: Handy for keeping everything together if transporting it to the hospital.
Postnatal usage: Some can be used for back, shoulder or period pains, pelvic floor, tummy and thigh toning and for stimulating milk production. You might need to buy a separate attachment.
SHOULD I BUY OR RENT A TENS MACHINE FOR LABOUR?
It can be cheaper to hire a TENS machine. For example, it costs around 60% less to hire a Babycare ELLE TENS2. The rental period is usually six weeks. However, if you do buy one, it can have other uses after the birth and may be used again if you’re planning another child.
Babycare TENS is an excellent place to rent machines from.
Some hospitals have TENS machines you can use. Check with your midwife if they are available and whether demand ever exceeds supply.
THE BEST TENS MACHINES TO BUY
This list has been narrowed down to the very best with thorough research and the following considered:
Consumer reviews
Best-seller lists
Recommendations from industry experts
Award-winning products
Personal experience and the products loved by other parents.
The list is updated annually. It was last updated on 6 January 2024.
If you buy through a link, I may earn a small affiliate commission. 5% of profits are donated to UK Baby Banks to help parents in need of essentials.
1. BABYCARE ELLE TENS2
Award-winning TENS machine from the popular Babycare brand.
Contraction timer.
Four pre-set modes.
Boost button for contractions.
Optimax function, which enables you to increase and decrease the level of pulse power.
Spare lead.
Comes with batteries and spare batteries.
Neck cord and carry pouch for hands-free usage.
Comes with a free booklet of A Women's Guide To Drug-Free Pain Relief.
Can also be used for back, shoulder and period pains.
Also available is the slightly cheaper ELLE TENS which is the same apart from there’s no contraction timer.
2. Elle TENS Plus
This has the same technology as the Elle Tens 2 but also includes a vaginal probe for use as a pelvic floor toner.
It is also suitable for general pain.
Includes a contraction timer.
There are pre-set modes for labour and a boost button for contractions.
It uses 2 AA batteries and comes with a pack of four.
There is a neck cord and carry pouch.
3. Boots TENS Maternity Unit
This TENS machine has two pre-set modes: one for contractions and one for between contractions.
Comes with four pads.
Batteries included.
Comes with a storage bag and a neck cord.
4. TENSCARE PERFECT MAMA TENS
Pre-set programmes for each stage of labour.
Boost button for contractions.
Neck cord and removable belt clip.
Comes with a carry case.
Batteries included as well as spare batteries.
Full instructions and a pictorial guide.
5. TENSCARE PERFECT MAMA+
Award-winning.
Pre-set programmes for each stage of labour.
Boost button for contractions.
Labour log and contraction timer.
Post-birth it can also be used with the breast electrode pads (included) to help stimulate milk production if necessary.
Neck cord and detachable belt clip.
Comes with a carry pouch.
6. BABYCARE OBI TENS MATERNITY
Award-winner from the popular Babycare brand.
Two pre-set modes.
Contraction timer.
Boost button for contractions.
Suitable for postnatal pain.
Neck cord.
Carry pouch.
Batteries included.
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