WHY TENS WORKS
THE PAIN GATE THEORY
Melzak and Wall proposed the ‘Gate Theory’ in 1965, and it remains the most respected theory on pain perception. They showed that pain impulses could be overridden and the perception of pain could be altered.
Basically, the brain can only cope with a certain amount of information at once. For unknown reasons, probably linked to survival, sensation impulses from the nerves have priority over pain signals.
When TENS is used, you feel this stimulation strongly and the sense of pain gets put to the ‘back of your mind’. You perceive the pain as less intense.
Also, endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers – TENS stimulates endorphin release, helping reduce pain.
CAN I USE ANY TYPE OF TENS MACHINE DURING LABOUR?
A specifically designed ‘labour or obstetric’ TENS unit allows you to increase and decrease the pulse rate of the TENS and operate on two settings: one for rest (between contractions) and one at a higher setting, for during a contraction.
Regular TENS machines do not have this ‘two-setting’ feature. An Obstetric or Labour TENS has a BOOST button. When you feel a contraction coming on, you push the BOOST button to the higher setting, and when your contraction subsides, you press the BOOST button again for the lower setting. During contractions, the last thing you want to be doing is pushing up and down settings, which is why the BOOST button on an Obstetric TENS is so important.
It is recommended you only use a good quality, reputable OBSTETRIC or LABOUR TENS for your labour. Pain relief during labour is not the time to cut costs and opt for cheaper or unreliable options.
THE BENEFITS OF USING LABOUR TENS
SAFE: Using an Obstetric or Labour TENS is 100% safe for you and your baby. TENS machines have been used to help with pain since the 1970s and they are now used widely throughout the world and recommended by midwives as a safe, effective form of pain relief.
DRUG-FREE: Labour TENS machines are completely drug-free; there are no side-effects for mum or baby.
PAIN RELIEF ON HAND: TENS machines can be used at home as soon as contractions start. They can be used on the car journey to the birthing suite and in hospital.
MOBILE: TENS machines allow you to move about and remain mobile during your labour.
EFFECTIVE: TENS is proven to be up to 80% effective for reducing labour pain.
PART OF YOUR PAIN RELIEF TOOLKIT: TENS can be combined with other forms of pain relief including medicinal forms of pain relief. Many women alternate between using TENS and water for pain relief.
TENS cannot be used if you have epilepsy or a pacemaker. TENS should be removed before entering water.
WHAT’S PROVIDED WITH MY TENS?
When you hire a TENS machine from Natal Care Naturally, you’ll receive everything you need including a modern, reliable Obstetric TENS, 4 large electrodes, batteries, plus spare batteries, full instructions and a pre-paid postage return bag. You’ll also receive a free Mum-to-Be Sample Pack of beautiful goodies for mum and baby. If you have questions or need assistance, Jane and John are only a phone call away.
Because Jane and John have been in the same situation as expectant parents, they understand the importance of providing a simple, reliable, top-quality service. It can be an exciting yet stressful time leading up to a birth, so at Natal Care Naturally you can be assured that they will send your TENS unit to you when they say they will, with plenty of time for you to try it out and become familiar with how it works.
