The TENS machine (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) lessens the pain for many, but not all, women. There are no known side-effects for either you or your baby, and you can move around while using it. Electrodes are taped onto your back and connected by wires to a small battery-powered stimulator known as an obstetric pulsar. You hold the pulsar and can give yourself small, safe amounts of current. It is believed that TENS works by stimulating the body to increase production of its own natural painkillers, called endorphins. It also reduces the number of pain signals that are sent to the brain by the spinal cord. For best effect it is recommended you start using the TENS in early labour.
TENS machines are sometimes available to hire from your community midwives so please consult them for more details.
It is recommended you practice using TENS in the later stages of your pregnancy.
For more information visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/pain-relief-labour