TENS machine during pregnancy??

[Glass half full]

Hi ladies

So I have hired a TENS machine for labour which arrived yesterday. I was just wondering of anyone has used/knows if it safe to use during pregnancy before labour has begun? I have been doing a lot of organising and and cleaning today trying to get ready for bubba's arrival and can now feel my back starting to hurt and stiffen up. Silly me Would be handy to put it on tonight to help with that but I'm just not sure whether I should or not, there is nothing about using it during pregnancy in the instructions I got with it.

Thanks

[PumpkinZulu]

I wouldn't say that would be suitable...not because it will cause any damage, but because you need to be in quite a bit of pain from what I understand for the injections to work, as my understanding was they cause a stinging which is painful enough to detract from contraction pain. I think I have read a similar question before and people generally said that it's best to leave it until labour has really ramped up for it to be it's most effective. I think for a backache it would just hurt you more than help!

[The[cookie]Doctor]

PZ you are talking about Sterile Water Injections by the sounds of it, and yes what you have said in relation to them is true. They hurt like a biatch. Punch in the face to distract you from a broken foot, so to speak.

To be honest I don't see why it would be an issue, but I dont think it would help you. You would be better with a heat back, or some rocking on a gym ball, etc.

[joey123]

I wouldn't say that would be suitable...not because it will cause any damage, but because you need to be in quite a bit of pain from what I understand for the injections to work, as my understanding was they cause a stinging which is painful enough to detract from contraction pain. I think I have read a similar question before and people generally said that it's best to leave it until labour has really ramped up for it to be it's most effective. I think for a backache it would just hurt you more than help!

I don't think you are talking about a TENS machine.

[M D]

I'm subbing to this thread as my acupuncturist advised I used one but I'm a bit worried I won;t have a clue how to use it.

[PumpkinZulu]

Hmm yes I was. And I read TENS, and wrote my reply, but somehow TENS turned into water injects in that time in my mind. Preg brain ftw

Sorry I wasn't much help

[Kazbah]

You can use TENS for back pain, that is one of the main uses for it, but there are different electrode thingys for different uses. Did you get it from a physio dept or from FreeMom? The physio will have the correct electrodes for back pain. You also use it differently, without the button.

[Glass half full]

Thanks ladies
I must say I was a little confused when I first read injections and that it's painful, I've used one before and quite like the sensation. All makes sense now though
I think I'll just leave it for now to be on the safe side. Also dont wanna get too used to it in case its not as effective during contractions. I got it from the labour tens website so it'll be specifically set up for labour pain.

Thanks for the suggestion of the fit ball, I wouldnt have thought of that

[Winter]

Absolutely, pop it on, hope your back feels better soon xox

[Laranna]

When I hired mine, the physio recommended NOT to use it during pregnancy in case it brought on labour, so only use once in labour.

Are you able to use some heat or counter pressure on your back instead? I agree with the rocking or circling on a fit ball, than can help heaps.

Hope you feel better soon

[~Gee_Whizzy~]

i've hired a TENS machine for this labour/birth and all the information i got with the kit said its not to be used before 37 weeks this was confirmed by both my physio and ob. as a PP said, if you want one for specific general back pain, speak to your physio and they can supply you with the correct machine.