TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)

TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) is a form of non-medical pain relief. It is one of several options available during labour to help manage your pain.

A TENS machine is a small, portable machine that runs on batteries. TENS machines pass a small electrical current across your skin. This can reduce the intensity of labour pain by causing a distracting sensation.

TENS does not use medicines, needles or injections. The machine can be controlled by you or by your midwife.

Choosing pain relief during your labour is your decision. There are different medical and non-medical pain relief options available during labour. Your doctor or midwife can explain the risks and benefits of TENS to help you make your choice.

It’s not completely clear how TENS works to relieve pain. But some people find it helpful.

It's possible that TENS blocks pain signals by stimulating different nerves in your spinal cord (Opens in new tab). This may affect how you feel pain. TENS might also cause the release of endorphins — your body's natural pain relievers.

TENS may also help by giving you a sense of control and providing a distraction, which can reduce anxiety and improve your sense of wellbeing.

You use a TENS machine by wearing it on your body. The machine is connected by wires to small electrodes via sticky pads. You stick the electrodes to your skin around the site of pain. This is usually on your lower back during labour.

The TENS machine sends small, gentle pulses of electrical current to your body via the electrodes. The pulses feel like a tingling sensation on your skin. It should not be painful.

Your nurse or midwife may place the electrodes on you. You can adjust the settings to change the frequency and strength of the electrical pulses.

If you choose to use a TENS machine during labour, there are some advantages:

• It doesn't involve medicines or injections.
• It may give you some control over your own pain relief.
• It doesn’t stop you from moving around.
• You can use other pain relief methods if you need more pain relief.
• It can be used at home during the early stages of labour.
• It can be used at any stage of pre-labour or labour and used for as long or as little as you want.

Make sure to always check with your doctor or midwife before using a TENS machine at home during labour.

There are some disadvantages to using a TENS machine during labour:

• TENS doesn’t work for everybody.
• It can be uncomfortable (but it shouldn’t be painful).
• You may have skin irritation where the electrodes stick to your skin.
• TENS can’t be used in the bath or shower.

TENS should not be used in or around water (in the bath or shower).

Do not use a TENS machine if you have:

• a cochlear implant (Opens in new tab)
• a pacemaker (Opens in new tab) or other implanted heart device
• epilepsy (Opens in new tab)
• spinal metal rods

When using TENS during labour, do not place the electrodes over your abdomen (belly).

Place the electrodes only on your back, or as instructed by your doctor or midwife.

If you’re interested in using TENS for pain relief during labour, talk to your doctor or midwife first. Ask your doctor or midwife:

• if it is safe for you to use a TENS machine
• where you can get a TENS machine
• what costs are involved in hiring or buying a TENS machine

Not all hospitals and birthing centres have TENS machines.

You can buy TENS machines directly from:

• manufacturers
• medical equipment suppliers
• some pharmacies

Check that the supplier is registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (Opens in new tab) (TGA). If you have private health insurance, it may help cover the cost of a TENS machine.

Read more about other methods of pain relief during labour.

You can discuss pain relief options with your doctor or midwife when you create your birth plan. You can also ask your midwife, doctor or obstetrician about non-medical pain relief options during labour. They can answer your questions.

The Government of South Australia has a patient fact sheet on using TENS during labour (Opens in new tab).