Frequently Asked Questions

1. Electrical Impulses Block Pain Signals:

• A TENS machine works by delivering gentle electrical impulses through electrode pads placed on the skin's surface. These impulses travel along nerve pathways and effectively block pain signals from reaching the brain.

2. Gate Control Theory:

• The Gate Control Theory of pain suggests that the electrical impulses from the TENS machine "close the gate" to the brain, preventing pain messages from being transmitted. Instead, the brain receives the sensation of the electrical impulses, which are typically perceived as a tingling or buzzing sensation.

3. Endorphin Release:

• TENS machines stimulate the body's natural painkillers, endorphins. When the electrical impulses activate sensory nerves, it triggers the release of endorphins, which are the body's feel-good hormones. These endorphins act as natural pain relief, helping to further alleviate discomfort.

4. Modulating Pain Perception:

• The continuous use of a TENS machine during labour or for pain relief can modulate the perception of pain. It doesn't eliminate pain entirely but often makes it more manageable and less intense, allowing the user to cope better with discomfort.

5. Adjustable Settings for Personalized Relief:

• TENS machines are highly customizable. Users can adjust the intensity, frequency, and duration of the electrical impulses to suit their comfort level and the specific type of pain they are experiencing. This flexibility ensures a personalised and effective pain relief experience.

In summary, a TENS machine works by using electrical impulses to interfere with the transmission of pain signals to the brain, triggering the release of natural painkillers, and modulating the perception of pain. It offers a non-invasive and drug-free approach to pain relief, which can be especially valuable during labour and various other pain-inducing conditions.

Read our blog about TENS machines here

Never use a TENS machine under the following circumstances:

• Without talking to a midwife or doctor first
• Before you are 36 weeks pregnant
• When you’re in a shower, bath, or birth pool
• If you have broken skin or a healing scar where you want to place the pads
• If you have a cardiac pacemaker or a heart rhythm problem
• If you have pain that you don’t think is labour pain. See your doctor or midwife if this is the case.
• On another part of your body other than your lower back as pictures in the instruction manual.

1. Non invasive pain relief: 

A TENS machine provides a non-invasive method of pain relief, employing electrical pulses to stimulate nerves and disrupt pain signals without the needs for medication or invasive procedures

2. Natural pain management: 

A TENS machine is a drug free approach, appealing to those preferring natural methods for pain management during childbirth. 

3. Control and empowerment: 

TENS machines are typically handheld, allowing the user to control the intensity of the electrical pulses, providing a sense of control and empowerment during labour

4. Mobility and Flexibility: 

Since TENS machines are portable, they allow freedom of movement during labour, enabling the individual too change positions and remain mobile, which can aide in labour progress and comfort

5. Safe for mother and baby: 

A TENS machine is generally considered safe for both the mother and baby, as it doesn’t involve drugs or invasive procedures

6. Reduction in pain perception: 

While not eliminating pain entirely, TENS machines can reduce the perception of pain by interfering with the pain singles being sent to the brain, as previously mentioned

• You probably won’t be able to put the pads into place without help
• You may find it only gives relief in the early stages of labour
• You may not find it helpful at all - TENS machines aren’t for everyone and some dislike the feeling of it on their skin
• TENS can’t be used in water, though you can still use it prior to getting in a bath or pool
• If you want your birth partner to massage your back, they will have to work around the pads

Absolutely not. The TENS machine is an electrical device and cannot be used in water. Please remove it prior to using the shower of bath for pain relief

Included in your pack are four single use electrodes - 2 for around your bra line and the other 2 just above you underwear line. Please only apply them to your back and never apply them to your abdomen. You may need some assistance to put them on. Once they are remove ensure they are placed back onto the plastic backing so they can remain stick for reapplication