TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)

What is TENS?

TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) is a form of non-medical pain relief. It can be used during labour to help relieve the pain.

A TENS machine is a small, portable machine that runs on batteries. TENS machines pass a small electrical current across your skin. This may help relieve pain during labour.

TENS does not use medicines, needles or injections.

How are TENS machines used?

You can wear a TENS machine on your body. The machine is connected by wires to small electrodes (sticky pads). You stick the electrodes to your skin, usually on your lower back during labour.

The TENS machine delivers small, gentle pulses of electrical current to your body via the electrodes. The pulses feel like tingling on your skin.

You can adjust the settings to change the frequency and strength of the electrical pulses delivered to your body.

How does TENS help relieve labour pain?

It’s not completely clear how TENS works to relieve pain.

It's possible that TENS blocks pain signals by stimulating different nerves in your spinal cord. It might also cause the release of endorphins, your body's natural pain relievers.

Other ways that TENS may reduce pain in labour is by:

• giving you a sense of control
• providing a distraction

This can reduce anxiety and improve your sense of wellbeing.

There is not a lot of evidence to show that TENS works to reduce pain. But some people find it helpful.

What are the advantages of TENS in labour?

The advantages of using a TENS machine during labour are:

• It doesn't require medicines or injections.
• It may give you some control over your pain relief.
• You are still able to move around.
• You can use other pain-relief methods if TENS doesn’t give you enough pain relief.
• It can be used at home during early labour.

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

What are the disadvantages of TENS in labour?

Some of the disadvantages of using a TENS machine during labour are:

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

When should TENS not be used?

TENS should not be used:

• if you are pregnant but not in labour
• before 36 weeks’ of pregnancy without medical advice
• in or around water (in the bath or shower)

Do not use a TENS machine if you have:

• a cochlear implant
• a pacemaker or other implanted heart device
• epilepsy

When using TENS during labour, do not place the electrodes over your pregnant belly. Place the electrodes only on your back, or as instructed by your doctor or midwife.

Where can I get a TENS machine?

If you’re interested in using TENS for pain relief during labour, discuss it with your doctor or midwife beforehand. Ask your doctor or midwife:

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

Not all hospitals and birthing centres have TENS machines.

You can buy TENS machines direct from manufacturers, from medical equipment suppliers and from some pharmacies. But make sure that the supplier is registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

Resources and support

You can find more information about other methods of pain relief during labour here.

Speak to a maternal child health nurse

Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.