TENS Units

[joyfulgrrrl]

I'm looking for information on placement of TENS unit during labour - I've heard they can provide excellent relief to the low back but can't seem to find any useful links, and we don't have the manual for DH's unit - has anyone got information?

TIA!

[Beauchamp]

I own one for disc bulges at L4-L5, L5-S1. When I used it for back pain (pre-PG) I just placed them on my lower back on either side of my spine. I was psyched to hear that you can use a TENS for labor, and I pretty much planned to just place them where they felt right. I don't have a strictly medical answer for you, but I am hoping someone else might...

[maotmsmi]

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Edited by maotmsmi - 5/21/11 at 12:29pm

[bubbamummy]

http://www.tensmachinedirect.co.uk/h...rnity_tens.htm

this has some info in placement they are VERY common in England, pretty much every pregnant woman is advised to give it a try! I used one and it was AMAZING allowed me to have a drug free (and quite pain free ) labour!

[Beauchamp]

Krista & Sophie,

How long did you use your TENS for? At a pretty high intensity?

[dogmom327]

I'm seeing a PT for other issues related to pregnancy but she brought up getting one and so I'm getting a referral from my PCP so my insurance will pay for it. Worth a shot.

[bubbamummy]

Originally Posted by Beauchamp

Krista & Sophie,

How long did you use your TENS for? At a pretty high intensity?

I used it from when the contractions became unbareable (I was vomiting ) and I kept mine at a low intensity and then as a contrcation hit I would turn it right up to almost as high as it would go and then back down after the contraction, I felt that way it was giving me more benefit.


I was having a hospital birth (i have a dumb heart complication ) by the time I got there I was 9cm and almost ready to push the midwife took it off my back when we arrived as she said 'its done all its going to do' but I wished id been more insistant as im sure I could have used it right up until delivery. I loved it, it allowed me to labour at home and have a drug free delivery at the hospital

[Beauchamp]

That's awesome. Good for you! It sounds like you had a great birth and were able to manage your personal circumstances rather well, actually!

I'm glad to hear that it really helps. Also, it is helpful to me to know that you really cranked it up during the contraction. I was hoping that it wouldn't hurt the baby or anything.

If I am not in the tub, I am definitely going to use my TENS. Gotta get some spare 9V batteries!!!

[octobermoon]

where do you get the gel for those? i have one but don't have that.

[Beauchamp]

Mine has sticky/gel pads, so I don't use additional gel on my skin, if this is what you mean. I order the gel pads from Amazon, made by a company called Austin Medical Equipment.

[LiLStar]

I bought one a few weeks ago. I'mpretty sure it came with the sticky pads but I'm wondering if I might need to have more? Would it be a good idea to have some spares on hand?

[joyfulgrrrl]

Thank you SO MUCH for the replies - I can't wait to try it!

[Beauchamp]

Originally Posted by LiLStar

I'm pretty sure it came with the sticky pads but I'm wondering if I might need to have more? Would it be a good idea to have some spares on hand?

Are you using it only for labor? As in one or two days at the most? I think you'd be just fine using brand new pads for two days. I often stretch mine out for many days/usages. They come with a plastic sheet to re-stick them onto for storage, and are designed to be used again. Not forever, but again, a few times. Brand new pads will stick perfectly to your skin (giving you the best contact and therefore the most effective stimulation) but if you have a new set just for labor, I don't think you'd need spares. Just spare batteries, just in case! Those 9Vs go fast.

[LiLStar]

yep, just for labor Selling it to my MWs when I'm done. I'll definitely be sure to have batteries!